Wreath Making with Air Plants
Air plants grow without soil and without much of the care we must provide to other living plants. You can DIY air plant wreaths simply and easily, with a result that provides months (or longer) of beauty. Air plants are natural air purifiers and need only regular misting or some form of light watering to keep them going. The happy air plant will often produce blooms. Consider if you have the right conditions before making your wreath. Some direct sunlight and good air circulation are necessary to keep air plants at peak performance. Temperatures below 90 degrees F. (32 C.), but not under 50 degrees F. (10 C.), are needed. Hopefully, you have a door that fits these requirements. If not, consider a wall space. You may also use your wreath as a tabletop decoration.
How to Make an Air Plant Wreath
If you wish to make your air plant wreath as a seasonal decoration, choose appropriate colors of flowers, berries, and foliage for the season. Use seasonal materials you may have in your landscape or take a walk in the woods to collect unusual cuttings. Always be prepared with a pair of sharp pruners. Use a grapevine wreath as the base, or something similar of your choosing. Use air plants with “hooks” on the bottom when possible. These can hang from the grapevine wreath. If you want them more secure, consider hot glue or floral wire. Think of the overall look you want for the wreath. It can be full, with air plants all around, or filled in the bottom third with a single element on top. Cover with sheet or sphagnum moss first, and if desired, you may then cut openings to add the cuttings and plants. You can also add secondary cuttings if you’d like such as amaranth, lavender, rosemary, and others sparingly around the bare areas. Consider one or two of the air plants brachycaulos, captita, harrisii – or others available to you. Use them in odd numbers for the most effective display. If you wish to use a single element at the top, make a small grouping. Wreath making with air plants is a fun project. Follow your creative instincts and make your wreath as simple as you like. Care for the air plants in your wreath by giving them a weekly soak or a light misting. Leave them in a place where they can dry upside down quickly. Hang the wreath in the conditions described above for long life and possible flowers.
