Am I the only one who didn't know that Tillandsias, also known as air plants, are really easy to take care of? If you're reading this, there is a small chance you also may not know much about them either.

What is it that makes them so elegant? Well, for one, these lovely plants don't need any soil and can live without being watered for long periods of time. All they need is a little bit of light and some occasional spritzing (a fancy plant terminology used for misting) or soaking.

Now that you know the name, let us arm you with some useful information about these plants.

Tillandsia: What's with the name?

Tillandsia is simply the name of the genus that these plants belong to. In Latin, Tillandsia comes from two words - till and landskap which mean "meadow" and "view" respectively. This name was given to these plants by a Finnish botanist, Elias Tillands. 

Tillandsia's leaves are what give it the popular name of air plant- they absorb moisture and nutrients from their atmosphere through their leaves and providing oxygen back into the environment through photosynthesis. 

The Benefits of having a Air Plant

Unlike many other common houseplants, Tillandsias have a number of benefits that are important to know. Here are a few key features of this plant:

1. Air Purification: these plants are capable of filtering out toxic substances found in the air such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. In fact, some of these substances can be found around your house, such as in furniture, wood, carpets, adhesives, sealants and paints.

With an air plant in your house, you can reduce both airborne toxins and pollen - a must for households with adults who suffer from allergies and children as they are the most prone to allergies from those particles. By combating these pollution sources, you will be able to create a healthier environment for yourself and your kids.

1. Enhance Focus: this plant, whether it is placed in your home, office, or at the hospital, they can help increase focus.

Having access to a steady supply of fresh air is essential for your brain; around 20% of the oxygen you take in every breath goes directly towards powering it. With clean, revitalizing air comes clarity and cognitive power – both needed to think clearly and focus on whatever lies ahead.

1. Low Maintenance: Tillandsias require very little attention and are easy to maintain. Unlike other plants, they don't need to be watered as often and you don't have to worry about them getting too much or too little light. They are also very resilient, making them tolerant of a wide range of temperatures.

Above their ability to purify air and resilience is their impressive ability to thrive without the need of soil or regular watering. Spritzing or soaking your Tillandsia every couple weeks is all it takes to keep them happy and healthy. 

1. Pet-Friendly: do you have pets around the house and worried they might be harmed by a houseplant? Then the Tillandsia is certainly your plant of choice. In comparison to other plants, these air plants are non-toxic to humans or animals, which includes dogs, cats, and other common house pets.

Many pets, especially when young, tend to nibble on plants or try to eat them. They don’t have to worry about any ill effects when they do this with air plants. They are completely safe and free of toxins that may be found in other plants. 

If you're looking for a beginner plant that is low-maintenance and stylish, Tillandsia is the plant for you! These plants are easy to take care of and can thrive in any environment. Not only are they beautiful, but Tillandsias also purify the air around them - making them the perfect addition to any home. Ready to get started? Check out our guide on how to style your Tillandsia in your home.