Versatile, fun, and quirky, air plants don’t need any soil to grow in and as such are perfect for growing in unusual decorative features, like this stylish and contemporary living chandelier.
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TIME IT RIGHT Plant your chandelier at any time of the year if you are keeping it inside. Air plants aren’t frost hardy, but you can hang it outside for summer, bringing it back indoors in mid-fall.
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We made holes in the base of the cups using a hot soldering iron, so that when “planted” the air plants seem to sprout from the ends. If you prefer not to do this, simply attach the plants straight to the cup base with silicone glue (see step 3).
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Work out the best positions of the cups on the globe, so they cover the surface evenly and fit closely together. Apply superglue around the rim of each cup and press in place, holding them until bonded. Leave to dry completely.
чЛ—Project Steps
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Attach an air plant to the base of each cup using a silicone rubber sealant (other glues can harm plants). Apply sealant around the rim of the hole, if made, or apply a generous dab in the center. Press the plants in place and avoid getting sealant on the stem end.
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You can also stick additional plants onto the globe in the spaces between the cups for a fuller effect. The sealant takes several hours to dry and you will need to hold each plant in place as it dries by sticking one or two leaves down with masking tape.
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Once the sealant has dried completely and the air plants are secure, carefully remove the strips of masking tape. To hang the chandelier, cut a length of garden twine, thread it through the hook of the globe and tie it off with a secure knot.
Care Advice
Where to site Air plants like warmth but not direct sunlight, and you can hang your chandelier outdoors in spring, summer, and early fall.
Bring inside during the rest of fall and winter since plants are not hardy below 46°F (8°C). Plants are fine in many areas of the house as long as light levels and air circulation are good and they are kept moist (see below). Do not place them near heat sources.
Watering and feeding Air
plants absorb moisture through their leaves and generally need spraying 2-3 times a week, more frequently during
summer or in dry conditions, and ideally with rainwater. Give plants a generous soak at least once a month by submerging the entire chandelier in room temperature water for a little while, making sure you shake off excess water afterward. Feed with a diluted air plant liquid fertilizer misted on leaves once a week in spring and summer, twice a month in winter.
General Care Remove any dead, diseased, or dying foliage throughout the year and be careful not to let any water sit in the base of the plant since this could cause it to rot. Plants will produce offsets that can be removed when half the size of their mother plant, and then used in other displays.
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