Live Air Plant Wreath 

Air plants might be the perfect plant for your home.  Also known as Tillandsia, they are cousins to the “Pineapple” and both part of the Bromeliad species. 

They are an interesting and unique type of flora that can grow without soil and are often found in the jungles, mountain tops, and deserts, of Central and South America, Mexico, and the southern United States.

The variety of shapes and colors that air plants can take on is truly amazing. They'll only bloom once in their lives, but also produce "pups" or babies at the base of the mother plant-which gives them an additional layer to grow and divide! 

 

Vibrant and indigenous, these plants will be the perfect addition to create a one-of-a-kind living wreath for your home that you can't find anywhere else.

 

    

 

You'll need the following supplies: 

1. Grapevine wreath. Any size will do, the larger it is the more plants you will require. I used an 18-inch wreath and 12 air plants of various sizes. 
2. Variety of Air plants: type and size. One large air plant works well as a focal point.
3. Spanish Moss: Natural & Lime Green 
4. Decorative Reindeer Moss: Chartreuse, Ivory and Purple. 
5. Dried flowers: Billy Balls & Lavender 
6. Lotus Seed Pod & other Dried Elements such as Lichens. 
7. Green Floral Wire  (Using floral wire to wrap around the plant, makes it easy to remove for regular watering and care.)
8. Floral Pins
9. Hot Glue

 

To start making your wreath:

Begin by setting your wreath on a flat surface. 

Tuck a medium layer of Spanish moss into half to two-thirds around the wreath. You can alternate between the two colors of moss, or just use one color. I find that the air plants show up better against the natural moss color and I used the lime green for added interest by placing it on one small area of the wreath. The moss will tuck right into the grapevine, so no need to glue. 

You need to leave an open area of the grapevine wreath. This is for asymmetry and balance. 

Lay out the air plants in an arrangement on the wreath to get an idea of where you want them. You can also decide at this time where you want to add the lotus pod. 

Cut 12 inches of floral wire, gently wrap it around the base of the air plant, and tuck the wire down into a wreath. Pull the wire out the back of the wreath and twist until tight, but not too tight where it’s cutting into the plant. 

Repeat this process, securing all of your plants.  You may find some air plants will tuck into the wreath itself or be supported by another plant.  

After you have secured your air plants with floral wire, continue by adding the lotus pod and decorative reindeer mosses. 

You’ll need to use hot glue to secure the lotus pod onto the wreath.  To secure the reindeer moss, tuck it into the wreath and/or use floral pins.  You might also use a bit of hot glue here to attach the moss to the wreath. 

Once the moss is in place, add the dried lavender to any empty spaces.  You can choose one spot or scatter it throughout the wreath.  

The bright yellow Billy Balls or Crespedia will provide a great pop of color to the wreath.

       

                                  

Caring For Your Air Plant Wreath:

• When you are ready to soak the plants, simply loosen the floral wire from the back of the wreath and slip the air plant out. Be sure to let the plant dry completely before reattaching the plant to the wreath.

• To hang the wreath, use a wreath hanger or simply hang the entire wreath on a nail.

• Keep the wreath indoors or on a covered porch during summer. Avoid direct sunlight. 

• Air plants are tropical plants and will not live in cold weather.  Air plants prefer Indirect sunlight or shade.

    

Best Methods for Healthy Air Plants 

It is important to monitor your watering routine for the health of your air plant. Over-watering can cause roots rot or fungal diseases that will kill it in just a matter of days!  Start slow and increase your water based on the plant's needs. You can soak or spray your air plant. If you soak, submerge the entire plant under water for 1-2 mins weekly to start. Shake off the excess and let the plant dry upside down. When spraying you will need to mist more often (3-7 times per week) since you are not giving your air plant a heavy saturation. Make sure to focus on the leaves.

 

The demands of an air plant vary depending on its environment. In drier regions, they will require more water than those in humid locations with higher humidity levels. Pay close attention during the winter months when you might expect your home's thermostat settings to go up by several degrees (and may increase the air plant’s water needs.).

 

You may notice that your plants are curling in on themselves if they're not getting enough water. The brown tips of the leaves could mean it needs more misting and daily soaking, so give them a good soak or just an occasional one every now and then for best results!

 

This wreath is not only perfect for your home but also a great way to show off these beautiful plants. The colors will look stunning against any wall. Have fun making your wreath and enjoying your beautiful air plants!