Air plants are otherworldly-looking species that use their roots for support rather than the soil. There are over 400 varieties of air plants, many of which bloom.
However, seeing an air plant bloom is a whole other story! Famously, air plants only bloom once in their lifetime – making them a rare sight for even the most dedicated air plant enthusiasts.
If you want to know more about air plants that bloom, the six plants on this list are some of the best!
Tillandsia Aeranthos
The Tillandsia aeranthos is an air plant species from southern Brazil. It is also found in South America, Argentina, Paraguay, and other countries. The plant grows cone-shaped with uplifted, green, sharp leaves.
They bloom in pinks and purples that are sure to be a bright addition to anyone’s collection of house plants. It can survive at temperatures as low as 20 °F. The plant is slow-growing and requires little care. Using a spray bottle to mist the plant once a week is more than enough to support growth and flowering.
Wallisia Cyanea
The Wallisia cyanea, or pink quill, is a flowering air plant native to Ecuador. It goes to around 20 inches high and 20 inches wide and blooms with a light pink and white flower. It’s often bought as a low-maintenance house plant and does well indoors in temperate regions.
It can be grown as an air plant or planted in soil. They are smaller than other plants in the same family. The pink quill needs very little water. Spraying the plant once or twice a week will be enough.
Tillandsia Bulbosa
Tillandsia bulbosa is another beautiful air plant that’s very easy to care for. It is one of the most popular air plant species with dark green leaves that turn violet when it is ready to bloom. They grow to around 7” tall and only bloom once in their lifetime. They survive best in hardiness zones 9-11. They can thrive in light and partial shade.
Tillandsia Punctulata
Tillandsia punctulata grows to a maximum of 9” tall and is often planted in moss. The plant is native to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The leaves are triangular and long.
They grow best in partial sunlight and temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. It would be best if you watered them three times a week in summer and less in winter. Fertilizing the plant 1-2 times a month will also support growth and the possibility of the plant flowering.
When it flowers, the bloom is orange and red and sprouts from the center of the leaves, growing taller than the spikey green leaves around it.
Tillandsia Latifolia
Tillandsia latifolia is a blooming air plant that comes from Ecuador and Peru. It’s a larger plant on this list known as a caulescent, meaning it grows along a stem. The plant is commonly found in dunes and deserts.
It grows easily in the harshest environments and can thrive indoors and outdoors. The leaves are thick and can grow up to six feet long. The flowers are yellow, pink, and purple.
Tillandsia Albertiana
The Tillandsia albertiana is an unusual-looking plant made up of a collection of long, spikey green leaves. When the plant blooms, you’re treated to bright red flowers that stand out against the contrasting leaf color. Like all air plants, the Tillandsia albertiana only blooms once in its life, making any chance of seeing a flower all the more rewarding!
Tillandsia albertiana is more sensitive than other varieties of air plants on this list, and if it is overwatered, it might rot. It does best in bright, indirect sunlight and can be mounted indoors or outdoors. But, in colder climates, it’s best to bring the plant indoors in the winter.
In Conclusion
Air plants that bloom are incredible additions to anyone’s home garden or houseplant collection. They’re very easy to maintain, require little water or attention, and can survive in various climates.
There are many varieties that flower, like the Tillandsia punctulata and Wallisia cyanea, all of which bloom only once in their lifetime. Seeing the beautiful process of air plants that bloom flowering and then blooming is a wonderful experience that any of the plants on this list can supply.