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How to Water Air Plants

Published November 20, 2025

How to Water Air Plants

How to water

Air Plants are epiphytes, which means they live on other plants without taking any water or nutrition from them.

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Soak

  • Fill a bowl with lukewarm water

  • Place your air plant in the water and let sit for 15-60 minutes

  • Lift it up and make sure you shake off all excess water

  • Place upside down on a towel in a bright place with good air circulation

  • Let it dry for about 1-3 hours

Note

Make sure the air plant is dry within 3 hours, and check that no water is left in the base.

Air plants will quickly rot if they are not properly dried after watering.
— Planta tip

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Mist

If your air plant is placed in a container or mounted on something that makes it too difficult to remove and soak it, you can provide it water by misting

  • Mist around the exterior of your plant, and not into it. This will avoid the base getting waterlogged- which can cause it to rot

  • The surface of the plant should be thoroughly wetted but the plant shouldn't be sitting in a puddle of water

Note

Misting alone is not the best way to give it water - but it might be the only way if it’s mounted on something or placed in a glass container. To ensure your plant's health, try to give it a good soak every now and then between misting.

Frequently asked questions

How do I water an air plant?

The best way to water an air plant is by soaking it in lukewarm water for 15-60 minutes. After soaking, shake off excess water and let it dry for 1-3 hours, making sure no water is left in the base.

What is the best way to water air plants?

Soaking your air plant in lukewarm water for 15-60 minutes is the best method. After soaking, it's crucial to dry it thoroughly upside down for 1-3 hours to prevent rot.

Can I just mist my air plant?

Misting can be used if soaking is difficult, such as when the plant is mounted or in a container. However, misting alone is not ideal; try to provide a good soak periodically between misting sessions for optimal health.

How long should air plants dry after watering?

Air plants should dry for about 1-3 hours after soaking. It's important that the plant is completely dry within this time and no water remains in its base to prevent rot.

Why do air plants rot?

Air plants will quickly rot if they are not properly dried after watering, especially if water is left in their base. Ensuring thorough drying after soaking or avoiding waterlogging the base when misting is crucial.

How to water an air plant

  1. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water.

  2. Place your air plant in the water and let sit for 15-60 minutes.

  3. Lift it up and make sure you shake off all excess water.

  4. Place upside down on a towel in a bright place with good air circulation.

  5. Let it dry for about 1-3 hours.

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