If you’ve bought an air plant that’s glued in place, you might be wondering how to water it properly. Learning how to water air plants that are glued is simpler than you think, and this guide will show you the safe methods.
These unique plants, called Tillandsias, don’t need soil. They absorb moisture through their leaves. But when their base is secured with glue, dunking them isn’t an option. Don’t worry, though. With the right technique, your glued plant can thrive for years.
How To Water Air Plants That Are Glued
This is the core method you’ll use. Since you can’t submerge the base, you’ll focus on misting and careful soaking. The key is to water the plant itself while avoiding damage to the glue or the object it’s attached to.
What You’ll Need
- Spray bottle (preferably misting bottle)
- Room-temperature water (rain, pond, or filtered tap water is best)
- A towel or paper towels
- A sink or bowl (for some methods)
- Good air circulation
The Step-by-Step Watering Process
Follow these steps to ensure your plant gets enough hydration without causing rot.
Step 1: Remove for Watering (If Possible)
First, check if the plant can be gently removed from its display. Sometimes they are just nestled in, not fully glued. If it’s lightly attached, carefully wiggle it free. If it’s firmly glued, do not force it. You’ll water it in place.
Step 2: Mist Thoroughly
Use your spray bottle to mist the plant until all leaves are completely dripping wet. Pay special attention to the underside of leaves, where the plant absorbs most water. You want to simulate a heavy rain shower. Do this 2-3 times a week for most home environments.
Step 3: The Partial Soak Method
For a deeper drink every 1-2 weeks, you can use a partial soak. If the plant’s container is waterproof, you can add a small amount of water to it, ensuring only the very tips of the leaves touch the water, not the glue point. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, hold the plant at an angle under a gentle faucet stream, again avoiding the base.
Step 4: Dry Completely
This is the most critical step. After watering, you must dry the plant quickly. Gently shake off excess water. Use a towel to blot the leaves lightly. Then, place the plant upside down or at an angle in front of a fan or in a breezy spot. It should be completely dry within 4 hours. Never let water pool in the base or where the glue is.
Signs Your Glued Air Plant Needs Water
- Leaves look dull or feel softer.
- The leaf tips are turning brown and crispy.
- Leaves are curling inwards tightly (a sign of severe thirst).
- The plant’s overall color seems faded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many problems stem from a few easy-to-make errors. Being aware of them will help your plant stay healthy.
1. Getting the Glue Point Wet
Constant moisture on the glued area can weaken the bond. More importantly, it traps water against the plant’s base, leading to crown rot, which is fatal. Always try to keep the glued part as dry as possible during and after watering.
2. Using Tap Water with Chemicals
Hard tap water with chlorine, fluoride, or salts can leave deposits on the leaves, blocking their ability to absorb nutrients and water. This shows up as white, crusty spots. If you must use tap water, let it sit out overnight so some chemicals can evaporate.
3. Insufficient Drying
Putting a wet air plant back into a enclosed terrarium or a snug holder is a recipe for rot. They are called air plants for a reason—they need excellent air flow. Always ensure drying is complete before returning it to its display spot.
4. Not Providing Enough Light
While watering is crucial, light drives their growth. A glued plant often lives indoors where light is low. Place it within 3-5 feet of a bright, indirect window. Without enough light, the plant will slowly weaken no matter how well you water it.
Long-Term Care for Glued Air Plants
Watering is just one part. For your plant to truly thrive, consider these other factors.
- Fertilizing: Use a bromeliad or air plant fertilizer at 1/4 strength. Mist it onto the leaves once a month during spring and summer. This gives them a nutrient boost they can’t get from air alone.
- Grooming: It’s normal for the outer most leaves to dry out and die over time. Gently pull them away from the base when they are completely brown. This keeps the plant looking tidy and healthy.
- Seasonal Changes: Air plants need less water in the winter when growth slows. Reduce misting to once a week or less, depending on your home’s humidity. Increase again when the weather warms up.
What to Do If the Glue Fails
Sometimes, glue gives way, especially if it gets wet often. If your plant comes loose, this is a good opportunity! You can re-attach it using a plant-safe glue like E6000, applied to a dry base, or better yet, use clear fishing line or wire to secure it. This allows for more flexible watering options in the future.
If the plant itself seems damaged at the base from glue or moisture, you can sometimes save it by removing the affected leaves and following the care steps carefully. The plant may produce offsets, called pups, which you can eventually separate.
FAQ: Caring for Glued Air Plants
Can you soak air plants that are glued?
No, you should not fully submerge a glued air plant. The glued base must stay dry to prevent rot and maintain the bond. Use the misting and partial soak method described above instead.
How often should I mist my glued air plant?
In a typical home with average humidity, mist thoroughly 2-3 times a week. In a very dry climate or during summer, you may need to mist daily. In a humid room, once a week might be enough. Always watch your plant’s leaves for cues.
What is the best water for air plants?
Rainwater, pond water, or filtered water is ideal. If using tap water, let it sit out for several hours first to allow some chemicals to dissipate. Avoid distilled water as it lacks natural minerals the plant can use.
Why is my glued air plant turning brown?
Brown, crispy tips usually mean underwatering. Increase your misting frequency. A soft, mushy brown base (crown rot) means overwatering or poor drying. If the whole plant is turning brown and dry, it may be nearing the end of its natural life cycle after blooming, but it should produce pups first.
Can glued air plants get too much sun?
Yes. While they need bright light, direct hot sun (like a south-facing window in summer) can scorch their leaves, causing pale, sunburned patches. Bright, indirect light is the safest bet.
How do you fertilize an air plant that’s glued?
Use a water-soluble fertilizer made for bromeliads or air plants. Dilute it to 1/4 the recommended strength in your spray bottle. Once a month, give the plant a thorough misting with this fertilizer solution instead of plain water. This provides essential nutrients through the leaves.
Caring for a glued air plant requires a slight shift in technique, but it’s very manageable. The core principles remain: provide bright, indirect light, water thoroughly but let dry completely, and ensure good air flow. By focusing on hydrating the leaves and protecting the base, your creatively displayed air plant can be a long-lasting and beautiful part of your home. Remember to observe your plant regularly—it will tell you what it needs.