Air plants are plants that grow on trees, driftwood, or sea shells. They do not need soil in planting. They manufacture their carbohydrates in chlorophyll containing tissues. They have built in water systems and are mostly self-feeding as their leaves and aedal roots obtain moisture and minerals largely from the air itself and from dust in the air. Do not put roots in soil or moss as the roots need to live in the air. Air plants are found in semitropical climates where they thrive in warm to hot temperatures and high humidity. They will not survive even a mild frost. Air plants do very well our of doors in northern climates in the summertime, but they must be moved in before the frost. Although air plants grow on trees, or support themselves in shells or driftwood, they bear no parasites to their host.
Inside plants require a mild misting once a week or so. If they start to look a little dry on the ends of the leaves, give them a little extra watering. They will grow equally well in partial sun or shade.
Once you set an air plant into a shell do not disturb it. In three or four weeks it will attach itself with an aerial root. It will bloom once a year.
Do not transport air plants in the trunk of your car as it is usually too hot or too cold for plants. They like people temperature. Also the baggage section of an air plant is too cold for them. With very little care you will enjoy these unusual amazing plants for many years and discover it's fascinating and fun to own air plants.