Meta: How long do air plants live? How can you extend their lifespan? Air plants are very easy to take care of, but you need to watch out for high humidity levels and exposure to sunlight.
Air plants or tillandsia are a family with more than 600 different species. These plants don’t require a lot of maintenance and grow without setting their roots in the soil. You can find these plants in Mexico, south-eastern states and other areas with a warm and tropical climate. How long do air plants live? How can you take care of these plants? Here is what you need to know.
Air plants can live for several years in ideal conditions. These plants are native to areas where there isn’t a lot of humidity. They have special scales on their leaves that absorb water and nutrients from the air around them instead of growing a root system like other plants.
The lifespan of an air plant can vary from one species to another, and the condition in which the plant lives can have a huge impact on its lifespan. Here is what you need to know about properly caring for these plants and how to extend their lifespan.
Why Are Air Plants Different From Other Plants?
Air plants or tillandsias are epiphytes plants. They have a very limited root system and will attach themselves to other plants or surfaces like wood or rock. They have narrow leaves that can absorb the water and nutrients the plant needs to grow.
In nature, you will find these plants in deserts. They can grow on tree branches or even on rocks.
Air plants are a family with more than 600 different species. These plants vary in size, and you will notice some differences in their flower colors. There are some slight variations in how you should care for different species, but you might have to try a few different things to figure out what is best for the species you have.
How long do air plants live? Any air plant can potentially live for years regardless of its species.
How Much Light Do Air Plants Need?
Air plants do best when there is indirect sunlight. If there is direct exposure to sunlight, it’s best to limit it to a few hours each day. These plants will lose their moisture if there is direct exposure to sunlight.
You need to hydrate your air plants more regularly if there is direct exposure to sunlight. In nature, larger plants and trees would provide shade for air plants. Try introducing shade to reproduce these conditions.
Air plants can also grow under fluorescent light. They need 12 hours of exposure to fluorescent light a day and shouldn’t be more than three feet away from the light source.
There is a popular trend that consists of keeping air plants in small glass bowls. You can use glass bowls to create original air plant terrarium, but keep in mind that glass will intensify the effect of sunlight.
How Often Should You Water Your Air plants?
We recommend spritzing water on the leaves of your air plants every other day. You should also soak your air plants in tap water once a week.
Spritzing the leaves every other day and soaking the plant once a week should be enough for most air plant species, but don’t hesitate to adopt a different schedule if you notice that your air plants need more moisture.
When you bring a new air plant home, let it soak for at least 15 minutes before letting it dry. You can then start spritzing the leaves every other day and soak the plant between 15 and 30 minutes once a week. It’s best to use room temperature water.
Let the plant air dry before putting it back in its hanger or terrarium. Mold and rot can appear if the plant doesn’t dry. Shake off excess water from the plant after soaking it, and let it air dry for a couple of hours. If a plant takes more than three hours to dry, it will probably rot. Let your plants dry upside down to prevent mold and rot from appearing on the base of the plant.
Your air plants will need more or less water, depending on how humid their environment is. If you live in an area with cold and humid winters, soak your plants every other week or soak them weekly for ten minutes instead of 30 minutes.
Your plants will need more humidity if the air is dry, if the temperature goes up, or if there is direct exposure to sunlight.
Where Should You Keep Your Air Plants?
Air plants don’t have much of a root system. You will notice some small roots growing if you leave your air plants in the same spot, but keep in mind that tillandsias don’t need soil to grow.
Soil retains moisture, which means that letting air plants grow in a soil medium will shorten their lifespan since mold and rot will eventually appear.
Air plants need plenty of fresh air. In nature, these plants would grow on other plants or rocks. Let them do this in your nursery if you can. You can also create similar conditions by keeping your air plants on a window sill or a wooden table.
The best way to make sure your air plants get all the fresh air they need is to use hanging plant holders or baskets. I love these hanging plant holders from Amazon because they are the perfect size for small air plants.
Avoid keeping your air plants in a room that doesn’t get a lot of fresh air. Nurseries can often get hot and stuffy, which isn’t ideal for your air plants.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Air Plants?
Air plants are resilient. They do well in a wide range of temperatures.
You can keep your plants in an environment that is anywhere between 50 and 90°F. However, exposure to warm temperatures means you will have to water your air plants more often.
How Should You Take Care of Your Air Plants During the Blooming Period?
Air plants flower once in their lifetime. It’s a beautiful process since flowers typically have bright colors. It’s also exciting to finally see what the flowers look like.
Blooming can last days or weeks. The larger air plant species can bloom for months, and a few species have a blooming process that can last for more than a year!
Unfortunately, tillandsias die after they flower. It’s possible to keep them alive for months and sometimes even years after they flower with the proper care, but flowering is often a sign that the plant has reached the end of its lifetime.
Flowering is how tillandsias reproduce. You will see small growths appear on the sides of the core of the plant. These growths will become air plants after a few weeks.
You can safely detach the air plant pups once they reach a third of the size of the mother plant. You can also leave them attached to the mother plant to get a clump of air plants. You will typically get between one and three new plants with an air plant flowers.
Air plants still need light, water, and plenty of air during the blooming process. However, the flowers can easily rot if there is too much humidity. We recommend briefly soaking your air plants during the blooming process without submerging the flowers if possible.
A blooming air plant might need more water and nutrients than usual because of the growths. You can introduce nutrients and spritz the leaves with water more often.
What Are the Most Common Issues You Will Run into While Caring for Air Plants?
Air plants are desert plants. Just like succulents, they have a long lifespan and don’t require much maintenance. Most issues come from watering the plants too often.
How long do air plants live? It all depends on the conditions in which the air plants live. An air plant can have a long and healthy life with the right amount of light, water, and air. However, too much water can kill an air plant within a matter of days.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do if an air plant has started to rot or if mold is present. You will notice that the leaves are falling and the base of the plant might turn black or brown. These signs indicate that there is too much humidity and air plants typically don’t recover from overwatering.
There are a few common issues you might run into:
A few dried out leaves and roots are perfectly normal. You can remove them by trimming them.
If you notice that your air plants aren’t growing, add some fertilizer to their water.
If the plant looks wilted or burnt, there is too much exposure to sunlight.
If the leaves turn brown or if their concave shape becomes more noticeable, you need to water the plant more regularly.
Air plants don’t require a lot of maintenance as long as you can create ideal conditions for them. They’re very inexpensive and easy to find so you can start collecting them and figure out how to care for different species. We recommend ordering a small pack of air plants from Amazon to get started!
Vicks is a leading, well-known company many people turn to when they’re feeling under the weather. The company has worked for centuries to provide relief to ailments such as the common cold and coughs, and they even produce excellent humidifiers that combine with their medications for an added boost. However, they’re also great for taking care of your houseplants.
In this Vicks humidifier review, we’ll show you everything you need to know about their popular filter-free cool mist humidifier and show you how it matches up to the competition. Whether you use the unit for your health or your houseplants, you can add humidity to a room with ease.
What is a Vicks Humidifier?
The Vicks Filter-Free Cool Mist is a 1.2-gallon humidifier that adds moisture to the air in order to relieve discomforts caused by dry air or illness, such as congestion and cough. It’s also known by the product number of V4600.
Vicks is a famous company known for its vapor rub, which is a magical cure for coughing fits. People typically place the gel on their chest to breathe in the aroma. However, the North Carolina-based brand themselves has worked to help people with colds, coughs, and sinus issues when they’re sick.
However, the manufacturer much more today. Now they make their line of reliable humidifiers, but the best part is that you can use the medicated vapor in your humidifier for added relief. The humidifier comes with a predestined place to enter the medication, and Vicks also creates their own Vicks VapoPads to insert into the machine for comfort while the unit runs. Most Vicks humidifiers are built to work with up to two VaporPads. Use the simple controls to control the vapor easily.
If you want to include Vicks VapoRub pads with your humidifier, they come in two primary scents: lavender and rosemary or menthol. All you have to do is place the medicated pad(s) into the drop-down container. The door on the side of the humidifier slides open, and the medication adds 8 hours of cold relief and a pleasant aroma.
Product Specifications
Vicks’ humidifiers also come with a huge water tank. This tank benefits you in a couple of ways. First, the larger opening and overall size of the water tank is easy to refill. It’s also large enough that you won’t need always to refill it with water, and you can expect the humidifier to run throughout the night. Second, the mist production happens consistently the entire time the unit is on.
The base is white, while the blue tank is see-through so you can quickly glance to check the water level. The transparent tank holds around 1.2 gallons of water, which makes the unit four pounds at the maximum weight. The unit comes with a simple carrying handle to move the water reservoir from room to room, and a large inlet allows for easier refills and cleaning. This large water tank provides at least 30 hours of continuous run time (some accounts claim they can easily make it to 33 hours on the low).
While the humidifier is running, the super-quiet ultrasonic ceramic plates help to reduce noise. The humidifier also won’t overheat. Like most models, it comes with an automatic shut down when the water level drops too low.
The main reason many people select this filter other than the Vicks VaporPad combination is for the filter-free design. You’ll never have to buy filters every 3-6 months again. With this model, you only need to buy a single Protect demineralization cartridge to get rid of any white mineral dust laying around the room. There are multiple levels with an easy turn dial to control the mist release function, and the dial is backlit at night for added visibility. You can even adjust the mist to point in your direction of choice.
Setup Process
Setting up the Vicks humidifier is easier than ever, and the company offers a videoto walk you through the steps. Placement is critical, as the unit must be on a hard, water-resistant surface like a tabletop that’s at least 12 inches from the wall. The tank lifts from the base, the cap twists off easily, and you simply fill the tank with water before replacing the lid and placing the unit back on the bottom. Turn the dial to your desired setting, and the mist should begin pouring from the top.
Specifications:
Size – 13 x 9.5 x 10 inches
Water tank volume – 4.5 liters or 1.2 gallons
Weight – 7.5 pounds
Voltage – 110 volts
Run time – up to 30 hours
Control method – dial controls
Levels – 3 speeds
Room size – Medium (100-500 square feet)
Mist type – cool mist
Refill type – bottom fill, wide opening
3-year limited warranty
Filter-free
Quiet operation
Automatic shut off
Pricing
The listing price for the Vicks Ultrasonic Cool Mist humidifier starts around $80 on the Vicks website. Options are also available for sale through Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot.
Vicks comes with an excellent warranty for peace of mind as well. While many companies only offer a year or two worth of protection, Vicks humidifiers come with a 3-year warranty. It’s a limited warranty that applies only to defective workmanship or materials, and you must register your humidifier with the manufacturer. Buying from Amazon still allows you to take advantage of this warranty.
How Vicks Compares
Unlike other popular Vicks humidifiers that offer warm mist, this cool mist option is safer if you have toddlers or kids running around the home. Warm mist humidifiers are basically the same as allowing a boiling pot of water to sit in a room for an extended time, and they may be easily bumped or knocked over. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, don’t face this issue. The cold is refreshing, but it does lead to mildew or mold in the humidifier if you don’t regularly clean the unit.
Compared to another popular humidifier, such as the TaoTronics, Vicks is a top contender with the sick. They’re both perfect for medium-sized rooms and work great, but they’re made for different purposes. While TaoTronics is ideal for many needs and situations, Vicks’ humidifiers combine with their popular medication to provide a boost.
TaoTronics doesn’t hold up to Vicks humidifiers, however. While the TaoTronics cool mist humidifier is a top performer, the design and controls are more complicated looking. Tao offers a nightlight, but you don’t need this feature on the Vicks humidifier because the single dial control is backlit. A nightlight might be nice to have for a child’s bedroom, though. Vicks also offers aroma through their VaporPads and can run for a longer period of time.
The Vicks humidifier is also easier to clean and maintain than TaoTronics, which requires a new filter every 4-6 months. It may also run slightly quieter. Both humidifiers, however, are easy enough for a beginner to work with ease. TaoTronics does come with some nice runtime features, however, such as the timer. But when it comes to aesthetic appeal, Vicks has it all.
The Levoit LV600HH is another top competitor on the market, but even it doesn’t hold anything to Vicks. Levoit humidifiers are easier to clean than TaoTronics, but the wide opening Vicks offers blows both options out of the market. Cleaning the TaoTronics is an overall nightmare. However, Levoit also offers a worse warranty than TaoTronics humidifiers. Vicks is much better than both competitors in that regard.
Levoit humidifiers, however, perform well in large rooms. They cost a bit more than the competition as well because they come with bonus features like an LED screen display with information on your home’s humidity and a remote to control the whisper-quiet humidifier from a distance. Levoit can hold more water as well, which results in at least 36 hours of continuous running. Plus, you can add essential oils into your Levoit humidifier via an aroma box designated for their use.
Vicks offers the best warranty out of the options available. Unlike most competitors on the market today, Vicks stands behind their products with a 3-year limited warranty. Most humidifiers sold today only come with a year-long limited warranty, and options like the TaoTronics offers an extended warranty to make this time over two years. Levoit also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is nice. However, a three-year warranty is the most extended option available.
Pros and Cons
In this Vicks humidifier review, we’ve already pointed out just how great it is not to need regular filter replacements. The filter-free design allows for more natural cleaning as well. This impressive unit can run for an extremely long time, and the cool mist is easily controlled using the simple dials. Although, it’s not as quiet as the TaoTronics model, it’s still much more silent than most humidifiers as well.
Cons to using this Vicks humidifier are slim. It’s a well-made unit that’s great if you’re feeling under the weather. There are some tiny features missing in this unit than other models on the market though, such as a nightlight. The control dial is backlit, but no nightlight is available to help see how the humidifier is functioning at night. Although, the design doesn’t require a nightlight as much as the TaoTronics humidifier, which has a display and button controls to operate the unit.
However, you should never use Vicks in a humidifier if it’s not 100% safe for your child. Babies and young children under the age of two should never be exposed to Vicks medications, whether applied to their chest or in a humidifier. If your child is over two years of age, there are multiple benefits to using Vicks VapoRub (or VaporPads in a humidifier) as a remedy for cold symptoms or upper respiratory infections. The soothing vapor helps you sleep as well.
Finally, you may need to purchase added cartridges if you notice white powder along surfaces near your humidifier. This means you have a build-up of minerals in your water, and you must buy the cartridge separately to keep the unit running smoothly.
You must also clean the humidifier at least once per week to keep mold from growing inside the water tank, which is a common issue with cool mist options. Follow the cleaning instructions on the manual very carefully.
Otherwise, you may notice a build-up of pink mold or mineral deposits may build up inside the unit, causing it to stop working. The wide opening makes cleaning more accessible than ever but staying consistent is a huge issue with a Vicks humidifier. If you keep it clean, however, it will last years to come.
Pros
Filter-free, so you won’t need regular replacements
Works for up to 30 hours
Variable humidity controls
Cool, visible mist
Quiet operation
Holds up to two Vicks VaporPads for added comfort
Easy to clean thanks to the wide opening
Extra-long warranty
Cons
No nightlight
Needs cleaning at least once per week
May need to buy a cartridge for mineral deposit build-up
Shouldn’t use the medicated pads with kids under two years old
Conclusion
In this Vicks humidifier review, we’ve explained the main features and setup process of this popular model. Compared to other top brands, Vicks holds up due to the easy-to-clean filter-less design of the water tank and the stunningly extended warranty. You won’t need to buy filters every few months, and the cleaning process is easier than ever, thanks to the wide opening. Vicks humidifiers look sleek, and the design works as well as it appears.
There are many different types of plants you can have in your home. When thinking about what kind of houseplant to bring into your home, you should consider a fern. The fantastic thing about ferns is that there are several different types that you can bring into your life. We are going to go over the different types of ferns you can be taking care of, as well as how you can identify them.
Ferns are low-maintenance plants and only require you to provide them with enough water and light. Since ferns grow under the cover of trees, you will not have to give them that much light, which makes them ideal houseplants. Here are a few types of fern houseplants you can bring into your life that can spruce up your home.
Lemon Button Fern
The lemon button fern’s name matches how cute it looks. Its fronds are a mix between gold and green, sporting rounded edges. This fern is one of the different types of ferns that stays small throughout its life, especially when kept in a small pot. It is easy to grow and goes well in most spaces of your home.
When it comes to lighting, it will need the right amount of it. Although it fits in any style of a room, it will need to be in a room that has plenty of light. If you do not have enough natural light, yet still want a lemon button fern in your home, consider getting some artificial light.
This fern likes to have plenty of humidity. While this may be concerning if you live in a climate where it is dry for some or most of the year, you can perform a hack by getting a humidifier. Place it in the same room as the lemon button fern, and you will find that it will thrive.
Maidenhair Fern
Another fern with an appealing name and an equally appealing look is the maidenhair fern. Its fronts appear like natural lace, looking airy. It also has black stems, contrasting with its green fronds quite a sight.
This fern is quite attractive, but it does require some care and attention. Growing it indoors can be a little tricky, but if you care for it well enough, it will do well. You need to water it every day since it loves to stay moist. Forgetting to water it means the fronds will start wilting and drying out.
If you do forget to water it for a couple of days, it will not die, although it may look like it has. Thankfully, the maidenhair fern is resilient enough to put out new shoots if its fronds do wilt and die. Given the small stature of this fern, along with its requirements of lots of moisture, it lives best in a terrarium. You can control the humidity levels in a way where it will always have the ideal climate.
Japanese Painted Fern
For a traditional style fern with broad ferns (and a little bit of a flair), get the Japanese painted fern. It is called a painted fern because the leaves, rather than appearing green, look like they were painted with silver and blue tones. This fern is unique-looking, yet still keeps to the “normal” look of a fern.
The Japanese painted fern will always stay small in size, so it works well for smaller spaces. When it comes to light, it needs a bright area without direct sun. It also does not do well in an environment that is hotter than usual, so be sure to keep it away from southern-facing windows.
When looking for a plant to add a little more brightness to your life and home, you should look into getting the beautiful Japanese painted fern.
No list of indoor types of fern houseplants is complete without mentioning the Boston fern. Other names you may know this fern by are the sword fern and the ladder fern. This fern is the most common one you will find in peoples’ homes. You will find these living out in nature everywhere in places like the Pacific Northwest in the United States.
Boston ferns can live a long time and grow quite tall. They can grow up to five feet high, as well as five feet wide. Since you would be raising this fern indoors, you do not need to be worried about it growing out of control, since it should never get that large inside your home.
A great feature of the Boston fern is its powerful and practical ability to remove household pollutants. While any plant in your home should be able to clear up the toxic contaminants in your home, some do it better than others.
There are several different varieties of the Boston fern available today, such as ones with fluffy ruffles, adding some flair to your greenery. When caring for this fern, make sure it can get medium to bright light. You will also want to make sure it gets plenty of humidity. Like most ferns, it thrives in humid and moist environments, so do your best to mimic its natural habitat.
Bird’s Nest Fern
If you are looking for something different when it comes to ferns, the Bird’s Nest Fern is the answer. This fern is a low-maintenance one that is easy to care for. Its fronds feel rougher than others, almost resembling the feeling of leather. They come out from the base of the fern, right at the level of the soil. They mostly look like giant leaves which would go into a salad, but do not try to eat these!
The Bird’s Nest fern grows slowly and stays small, so you will be able to keep it in small spaces without any issues. It resembles a bird’s nest because its fronds radiate outward from the center, creating an open space in the middle.
This fern needs less humidity than other ferns, although it still does need some. It can also go longer without getting water, given its thick and glossy leaves can retain much of the moisture it gets from the soil. It will need a medium to bright light, so keep it in an area which receives enough light.
Asparagus Fern
When starting out your journey to bringing fern houseplants into your home, you will find that the Asparagus fern does well in your care. This is a good starter fern, since it is easy to take care of. It will need humidity, which is easy to provide by setting it on a pebble tray. You can also use a mist sprayer and spray it a few times a week to keep it moist.
The Asparagus fern looks great when hanging from a basket. Its fronds droop down out of the basket, giving you your very own hanging garden. It stays nice and compact when placed in a small basket or pot.
When it comes to lighting, you will want to place or hang this fern in an area that gets direct sun. You will want to make sure it does not get too hot though since it can be sensitive to too much direct sunlight.
Silver Brake Fern
If you like your houseplants to look like aliens, then you will love the Silver Brake fern. The distinctive look of this fern can make for a great conversation starter. Its leaves appear as long stripes going in every direction. You can consider the look something like that of a spider, or several spiders, in plant form.
The crested fronds also feature a bright silver-looking stripe going down the length of each frond. When it comes to height, these ferns only grow around two feet tall. They will keep to being less than two feet in width as well, making this a great fern to have if you are tight on space.
As with the Asparagus fern, the Silver Brake fern looks best when it is hanging from a basket. They will also look nice in small pots and placed in an area where they will get lots of light. They need plenty of humidity, so make sure to take care of it the same way you would an Asparagus fern.
Kangaroo Paw Fern
Resembling the foot of a particular jumping marsupial is the Kangaroo Paw fern. This is another unique-looking fern. It features broad and shiny fronds that are dark green in color.
Be prepared for runaway stems coming from the pot or basket where you planted this fern. They will creep out of where they grow and go down your pot or basket! You can keep this fern trimmed if you do not want more fern fronds growing down to your floor, although it does look great when it grows these new stems.
You will need to keep the Kangaroo Paw fern in medium to bright light. Never growing more than two feet tall or wide when indoors, this is a great fern houseplant to have in your home. You will even get the pleasure of seeing them bloom twice a year if you hang it outdoors on your porch. If you take care of it well, it can even flower several more times throughout the year.
Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Keeping with the theme of animal feet, the Rabbit’s Foot Fern is another type of fern that looks different from most types you will see. Featuring fronds that have silver and blue hues, this dramatic fern has rhizomes with a golden-orange flair. If you are looking for a fern with character, this is the fern for you
This fern is another type that looks and thrives in a basket. It will crawl out of its holding area and adorn the sides of its container with beautiful vine-looking stems. Feel free to keep the stems trimmed, so they do not get over-enthusiastic with their expansion.
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern is not one that enjoys lots of sun. You could put it in any area getting partial or full shade. It looks great hanging from a porch, but if it is facing south, it will receive too much sun and start to wilt. As with most ferns, it will need to be watered regularly, meaning at least once a week. This is a fern that prefers staying moist, so remember to give it the aquatic care it wants.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know about several of the different types of fern houseplants to choose from, you can find one that fits your personality and preference the best. Ferns make a lively addition to any home. There are many different styles you can choose from to match your living situation, personality, and preference. And you will receive health benefits that all living plants provide your home.
Are you thinking about what kind of houseplants to have in your home? Look into ferns! Here are the different types of ferns available for your home.
There are many different types of plants you can have in your home. When thinking about what kind of houseplant to bring into your home, you should consider a fern. The fantastic thing about ferns is that there are several different types that you can bring into your life. We are going to go over the different types of ferns you can be taking care of, as well as how you can identify them.
Ferns are low-maintenance plants and only require you to provide them with enough water and light. Since ferns grow under the cover of trees, you will not have to give them that much light, which makes them ideal houseplants. Here are a few types of fern houseplants you can bring into your life that can spruce up your home.
Lemon Button Fern
The lemon button fern’s name matches how cute it looks. Its fronds are a mix between gold and green, sporting rounded edges. This fern is one of the different types of ferns that stays small throughout its life, especially when kept in a small pot. It is easy to grow and goes well in most spaces of your home.
When it comes to lighting, it will need the right amount of it. Although it fits in any style of a room, it will need to be in a room that has plenty of light. If you do not have enough natural light, yet still want a lemon button fern in your home, consider getting some artificial light.
This fern likes to have plenty of humidity. While this may be concerning if you live in a climate where it is dry for some or most of the year, you can perform a hack by getting a humidifier. Place it in the same room as the lemon button fern, and you will find that it will thrive.
Maidenhair Fern
Another fern with an appealing name and an equally appealing look is the maidenhair fern. Its fronts appear like natural lace, looking airy. It also has black stems, contrasting with its green fronds quite a sight.
This fern is quite attractive, but it does require some care and attention. Growing it indoors can be a little tricky, but if you care for it well enough, it will do well. You need to water it every day since it loves to stay moist. Forgetting to water it means the fronds will start wilting and drying out.
If you do forget to water it for a couple of days, it will not die, although it may look like it has. Thankfully, the maidenhair fern is resilient enough to put out new shoots if its fronds do wilt and die. Given the small stature of this fern, along with its requirements of lots of moisture, it lives best in a terrarium. You can control the humidity levels in a way where it will always have the ideal climate.
Japanese Painted Fern
For a traditional style fern with broad ferns (and a little bit of a flair), get the Japanese painted fern. It is called a painted fern because the leaves, rather than appearing green, look like they were painted with silver and blue tones. This fern is unique-looking, yet still keeps to the “normal” look of a fern.
The Japanese painted fern will always stay small in size, so it works well for smaller spaces. When it comes to light, it needs a bright area without direct sun. It also does not do well in an environment that is hotter than usual, so be sure to keep it away from southern-facing windows.
When looking for a plant to add a little more brightness to your life and home, you should look into getting the beautiful Japanese painted fern.
Boston Fern
No list of indoor types of fern houseplants is complete without mentioning the Boston fern. Other names you may know this fern by are the sword fern and the ladder fern. This fern is the most common one you will find in peoples’ homes. You will find these living out in nature everywhere in places like the Pacific Northwest in the United States.
Boston ferns can live a long time and grow quite tall. They can grow up to five feet high, as well as five feet wide. Since you would be raising this fern indoors, you do not need to be worried about it growing out of control, since it should never get that large inside your home.
A great feature of the Boston fern is its powerful and practical ability to remove household pollutants. While any plant in your home should be able to clear up the toxic contaminants in your home, some do it better than others.
There are several different varieties of the Boston fern available today, such as ones with fluffy ruffles, adding some flair to your greenery. When caring for this fern, make sure it can get medium to bright light. You will also want to make sure it gets plenty of humidity. Like most ferns, it thrives in humid and moist environments, so do your best to mimic its natural habitat.
Bird’s Nest Fern
If you are looking for something different when it comes to ferns, the Bird’s Nest Fern is the answer. This fern is a low-maintenance one that is easy to care for. Its fronds feel rougher than others, almost resembling the feeling of leather. They come out from the base of the fern, right at the level of the soil. They mostly look like giant leaves which would go into a salad, but do not try to eat these!
The Bird’s Nest fern grows slowly and stays small, so you will be able to keep it in small spaces without any issues. It resembles a bird’s nest because its fronds radiate outward from the center, creating an open space in the middle.
This fern needs less humidity than other ferns, although it still does need some. It can also go longer without getting water, given its thick and glossy leaves can retain much of the moisture it gets from the soil. It will need a medium to bright light, so keep it in an area which receives enough light.
Asparagus Fern
When starting out your journey to bringing fern houseplants into your home, you will find that the Asparagus fern does well in your care. This is a good starter fern, since it is easy to take care of. It will need humidity, which is easy to provide by setting it on a pebble tray. You can also use a mist sprayer and spray it a few times a week to keep it moist.
The Asparagus fern looks great when hanging from a basket. Its fronds droop down out of the basket, giving you your very own hanging garden. It stays nice and compact when placed in a small basket or pot.
When it comes to lighting, you will want to place or hang this fern in an area that gets direct sun. You will want to make sure it does not get too hot though since it can be sensitive to too much direct sunlight.
Silver Brake Fern
If you like your houseplants to look like aliens, then you will love the Silver Brake fern. The distinctive look of this fern can make for a great conversation starter. Its leaves appear as long stripes going in every direction. You can consider the look something like that of a spider, or several spiders, in plant form.
The crested fronds also feature a bright silver-looking stripe going down the length of each frond. When it comes to height, these ferns only grow around two feet tall. They will keep to being less than two feet in width as well, making this a great fern to have if you are tight on space.
As with the Asparagus fern, the Silver Brake fern looks best when it is hanging from a basket. They will also look nice in small pots and placed in an area where they will get lots of light. They need plenty of humidity, so make sure to take care of it the same way you would an Asparagus fern.
Kangaroo Paw Fern
Resembling the foot of a particular jumping marsupial is the Kangaroo Paw fern. This is another unique-looking fern. It features broad and shiny fronds that are dark green in color.
Be prepared for runaway stems coming from the pot or basket where you planted this fern. They will creep out of where they grow and go down your pot or basket! You can keep this fern trimmed if you do not want more fern fronds growing down to your floor, although it does look great when it grows these new stems.
You will need to keep the Kangaroo Paw fern in medium to bright light. Never growing more than two feet tall or wide when indoors, this is a great fern houseplant to have in your home. You will even get the pleasure of seeing them bloom twice a year if you hang it outdoors on your porch. If you take care of it well, it can even flower several more times throughout the year.
Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Keeping with the theme of animal feet, the Rabbit’s Foot Fern is another type of fern that looks different from most types you will see. Featuring fronds that have silver and blue hues, this dramatic fern has rhizomes with a golden-orange flair. If you are looking for a fern with character, this is the fern for you
This fern is another type that looks and thrives in a basket. It will crawl out of its holding area and adorn the sides of its container with beautiful vine-looking stems. Feel free to keep the stems trimmed, so they do not get over-enthusiastic with their expansion.
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern is not one that enjoys lots of sun. You could put it in any area getting partial or full shade. It looks great hanging from a porch, but if it is facing south, it will receive too much sun and start to wilt. As with most ferns, it will need to be watered regularly, meaning at least once a week. This is a fern that prefers staying moist, so remember to give it the aquatic care it wants.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know about several of the different types of fern houseplants to choose from, you can find one that fits your personality and preference the best. Ferns make a lively addition to any home. There are many different styles you can choose from to match your living situation, personality, and preference. And you will receive health benefits that all living plants provide your home.
The quality of your soil can make or break the plant you want to grow indoors. So how do you find the best ground for indoor plants? In this article, we list some of the best brands for keeping your plants healthy and happy.
The process of growing plants indoors confuses a lot of people. One of the critical mistakes a lot of people make is not choosing a soil the compensates for the lack of minerals that the plants get from not being outside.
So how do you go about finding the best soil for indoor plants? In this article, we go over some important considerations you should keep in mind when growing indoors. We also list some brands that should work for your growing needs. Let us check them out!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details regarding the best soil for indoor plants, let us learn a little about it. Here are some frequently asked questions new growers usually ask about their planting soil.
1. What types of things should I look for in my soil?
The specific things you want in soil depends on the type of plant you grow. For example, succulents prefer dryer soil while seedlings need a moisture-retentive product. However, in general, there are some things you should look for when shopping for land.
Make sure your soil contains some amounts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Also, make sure your soil contains organic components. If they do not, then you will need to add them separately.
Most of the time, you do not need to add fertilizer to your house plants, but it can help. If you do decide to use it, then only add a little. It is easy to over-do it.
How Reviewed the Soil on This List
We review the soil on this list by looking at three critical factors. Specifically, we look at effectiveness, ingredients, and overall price. For each of these factors, we ask a series of questions that help determine the strengths and weaknesses associated with each product. At the end of the article, we then list our favorite soil brand that represents the best combination of the factors. Here are some of the questions we ask:
Effectiveness — Does the indoor soil actually work? What types of plants work well with it? Good pH levels?
Ingredients — What types of material does the soil brand use? Are the ingredients organic?
Overall price — How much does the soil cost? How does the company justify charging this price? Does the product represent a good value?
Overall Price Range
The overall price of indoor potting soil depends on how many packs you actually order. However, most single bags usually fall within a price range of between five and twenty dollars.
Before you begin looking for the best soil for indoor plants, you must know a little bit about what you want. One of the most important things is the pH level of your land. Soil contains acidity, and your pH level is a measurement of the acid. A score of 0 ranks high on acidity and a score of 14 ranks high on alkaline. Generally, you cannot go wrong with a level of 6 to 7, but this rule is not cut and dry. Individual plants prefer different levels of acidity, so find out before you commit to a product. It is also essential to gauge the level of compaction your plant needs. Some succulents use a lot of compact space, while herbs usually require a loose ground. Find this information out and then seek the identical product.
The Top Four Best Soil for Indoor Plants
Now that we know what to look out for when it comes to indoor plant soil let us take a look at some of our favorite brands out there. We do not rank the soil brands in this part of the list, but we do name our favorite one at the end of the article.
The FoxFarm FX14053 12-Quart Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil ranks among some of the best indoor soil. If you do not mind the high price, then you get a great product that will make anyone a green thumb.
Plus, you save some money on organic components. You can find it at the link here.
Pros
Contains bat guano and crab/fish meat
Few bugs
Works well in dry and hot environments
Resists moldOutperforms many other soil brands
Cons
Expensive
Not ideal for lots of plants
Bag sometimes contains fewer quarts
Key Features
The FoxFarm FX14053 12-Quart Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil company makes their product out of a blend of premium bat guano, earthworm castings, crab meal, and fish.
It also features some composted forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, and sandy loam. It comes in a twelve-quart bag.
Pricing
The FoxFarm soil comes in twelve court packaging, but you can buy them in multiple packs. As such, they cost between fourteen and fifty-four dollars, depending on how much you get.
Where to Buy
You can find FoxFarm FX14053 12-Quart Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil at retailers like Walmart, Ace Hardware, Target, and Amazon.
Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil
If you live in the Western United States, then you should give Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil a shot. The product contains organic matter but remains an affordable price. You can also grow all types of plants from flowers to vegetables. Check it out here.
Pros
Works well in western environments
Loamy and deep brown color
Contains earthworm castings
Affordable price
Can grow vegetables and herbs
Cons
Some complaints about bugs
Can get moldy
Does not work as well in eastern environments
Key Features
The Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil company makes their product out of composted or aged bark, Canadian sphagnum peat moss, compost, RESiLIENCE, cinders, horticultural grade perlite, earthworm castings, pumice, and organic grade fertilizer.
All these ingredients, particularly the pumice, let the soil breathe easily instead of remaining stuffy. It is a vibrant and loamy mixture. The product comes in an eight-ounce bag.
Pricing
You can order either one package of Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil, or two. These orders fall between a price range of six and twenty-two dollars.
Where to Buy
You can find Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil at retailers like Amazon, Ace Hardware, and Walmart.
Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
If you find that most types of soil do not deal well with your succulents, then odds are you are not using the right brand. Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix corrects this issue.
The company makes its product out of soil specifically geared for minimum water retention. That way your conservative water plants do not get overwatered and die. You can find the product here.
Pros
Works excellent of cactus and succulents
Good for aloe plants
Affordable price
Nice life span
Proper pH balanced
Cons
Not nutritious enough for other plants
The mix might be too hydrophobic for some succulents
Instances of bugs and mold
Key Features
The Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix works with both desert and jungle succulents and cacti. It also contains a balanced pH level of 6 and includes four quarts of soil.
All the ingredients in the product help the drainage of water from the product. The Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix make their product out of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, reed sedge peat, perlite, sand, and limestone.
Pricing
You can purchase the Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix in one, two, or three product package deal. This price range falls between four and thirty dollars.
Where to Buy
You can find Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix at retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Sears.
The Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix offers a similar amount of usability as the Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil in terms of usability. You can use it for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It also contains rich plant food for pushing growth along. Check it out here.
Pros
Lightweight
Holds the water for a long time
No bugs or mold
OMRI certified
Naturally aerates itself
Cons
Too much water retention for some plants
Bad for outdoor plants
Challenging to grow for some people
Key Features
Not only does Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix work well at growing things, but it is also environmentally sustainable. The coconut coir material that the company uses provides little impact.
The container for the Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix contains eight quarts of material. It also retains water well, which makes it ideal for young plants with thirsty roots. However, we do not recommend it for succulents or cacti.
Pricing
One eight quart package of Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix costs around ten dollars at retail value.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix, 8 Quart at retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Home Depot.
Comparison of Table
In this section, we organize some of the main selling points raised by each indoor soil type. That way you can get an at-a-glance look at all the essential information.
In our opinion, the FoxFarm FX14053 12-Quart Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil earns the award as the best soil for indoor plants. You pay a little more for the product than some of the other products on the list, but it comes with a noticeable difference in quality.
The amount of organic content that comes with the soil gives it a big nutrition boost. This feature means that your plants will increase without much assistance. We recommend this brand the most for new growers who find that their plants keep ending up dead.
We hope this article helped you find some of the best soil for indoor plants. Make sure you do your research about the plant you want to grow before you land on a model. Good luck growing!
Air Innovations is a company that specializes in humidifiers, air purifiers, fans, and other similar products. This brand offers everything you need to improve the quality of your indoor air and to maintain comfortable humidity levels in your home. Our Air Innovations humidifier review will look at the different types of humidifiers offered by this brand and compare them to what other brands offer.
Comparison Table
What Kind Of Humidifiers Does Air Innovations Offer?
Air Innovations stands out thanks to its product selection. You can find a wide range of humidifiers with modern features like ultrasonic water mist, digital controls, or aromatherapy trays.Each product category is available in different sizes so you can easily find a humidifier with a tank capacity that is a good match for the room where you want to maintain comfortable humidity levels.We also like the selection of colors and designs. Air Innovations offers humidifiers that either blend in with your decor or become decorative pieces.
Cool Mist Humidifiers
The Cool Mist product category includes humidifiers with basic features. These products are the most affordable humidifiers offered by Air Innovations.
They come with a ceramic filter that you don’t have to clean or replace. The plastic of the tank and base prevents bacterial growth.
The MH-701BA is a Cool Mist model with digital controls. The 1.7-gallon tank is suitable for a 600-square feet room and will provide water mist for up to 100 hours.
The digital controls let you choose between five mist settings. The rotating mist nozzle disperses cool water mist evenly in your room. We like the modern tower design of the humidifier, and you can choose between different colors.
There is an aromatherapy tray in the back of the appliance. You can use scented pads to freshen up your room.
The MH-408 model is a humidifier with similar features outside of the digital controls. This model is more affordable and has a smaller 1.1-gallon tank that provides water mist for up to 70 hours.
It uses the same ceramic filter and rotating mist nozzle. You can adjust the humidity level thanks to a knob.
Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifiers
The Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound vibrations to turn water into mist. They are quieter than other appliances and produce a finer water mist. We recommend using one of these humidifiers if you want to sleep with a humidifier in your room due to the quiet operation.
We like the MH-801B model because it comes with digital controls and a remote. There is a dual-tank that holds 2.15 gallons of water. It can control humidity levels in a room of up to 700 square feet for 120 hours.
It features a ceramic filter and a removable nozzle with two directions. The settings are similar to what you will find on the Cool Mist models.
Aromatherapy Humidifiers
Air Innovations has an excellent selection of aromatherapy products. You can find humidifiers with different sizes and features that come with an aromatherapy tray. You can insert a scented pad to have your humidifier deliver scented water mist.
The MH-505A is an attractive aromatherapy humidifier. There is a convenient aromatherapy tray in the back of the humidifier where you can insert a scented pad. It has a 1.37-gallon tank that holds enough water for a 400-square feet room. The container will last up to 70 hours.
There are a timer and four mist settings. You can get pads with different scents, including lavender, eucalyptus, mountain breeze, green tea, and citrus.
Personal Humidifiers
Air Innovations has a small selection of personal humidifiers that you can use for your workspace. It’s a little box that uses ultrasonic technology to generate fine water mist.
We like these humidifiers because they come with a refillable bottle rather than a tank. It’s a convenient feature if you want a humidifier you can use on the go or at work.
You can get a basic model with a steady mist output, or choose a model with a knob that lets you adjust the humidity level.
Air Innovations Humidifiers Specs
The controls, tank size, and features vary from one model to another. However, our Air Innovations humidifier review should list the core features that all these products share:
Ceramic filter. Air Innovations uses ceramic filters in all its products. Ceramic is an excellent material choice since you don’t have to clean or replace the filter. It extends the lifespan of the product and contributes to cleaning your indoor air.
Anti-microbial tank and base.All the humidifiers have an anti-microbial plastic tank and base. Humidifiers are the perfect environment for bacteria and microbes to grow. This special plastic prevents bacteria from growing inside of your humidifier.
Auto-shutoff.This safety feature causes your humidifier to shut off when the tank is empty. Most models emit a beeping sound to let you know the tank is empty.
Mist settings.The Air Innovations humidifiers let you adjust the quantity of mist they emit. The humidifiers have between three and five settings. Some use knobs, and some have digital controls.
Timer.Most humidifiers come with a 24-hour timer so you can create a schedule for your humidifier.
Nozzle.Most humidifiers have a rotating nozzle to emit mist evenly. Some models have a removable nozzle extension to spray mist more effectively in a large room.
Quiet operation.The ultrasonic models are quieter, but all the humidifiers are fairly quiet.
Extras.Some of the humidifiers come with a remote, and some have an aromatherapy tray.
Warranty.Air Innovations offers a one-year limited warranty on all its humidifiers.
There are different shopping options available, but the product selection can vary:
We recommend that you start shopping on the official Air Innovations website since it’s the best way to explore the entire product selection. There is free shipping on most of the humidifiers.
Air Innovations has an official store on Amazon. We like their Amazon store because you can easily look for humidifiers by room size. A lot of the products sold on Amazon have free shipping!
Look for Air Innovations product on eBay. You won’t find all the models, but there is a decent selection of products, and you can get deals on older products.
Home Depot carries some Air Innovations products. It’s an interesting option if you want to see the products in person.
Bed Bath & Beyond has a small selection of Air Innovations humidifiers. Again, it’s a good option if you want to see the products before buying them.
Image by Anke Sundermeier from Pixabay
How Does Air Innovations Compare To Other Brands?
Air Innovations stand out from other brands because it’s the only manufacturer that uses ceramic filters in all its products.
TaoTronics
TaoTronics is another popular humidifier brand with an interesting selection of products. We recommend looking at the TT-AH025B model.
This humidifier features a simple knob control you can use to adjust the humidity level. It’s a good option because of the discreet design, quiet operation, and swivel nozzle.
The 1.5-gallon tank delivers 60 hours of use for a 430-square feet room. There is an auto-shutoff feature, and you can use the humidifier as a nightlight.
TaoTronics also offers a digital humidifier. This appliance comes with an LED indicator that shows you the current mist level. The 1.06-gallon tank is suitable for a room of 320 square feet. The downside of this product is that you have to change the filter twice a year.
Product selection
Product quality
Brand name: TaoTronics
Warranty: one-year, extended to 18 months if you shop on the official website of Amazon
VicTsing
We think VicTsing products are an interesting alternative if you were thinking about getting one of the Cool Mist humidifiers from Air Innovations or wanted a humidifier with an aromatherapy tray.
VicTsing makes a humidifier with anti-bacterial stones in the water tank. We like the modern design of this appliance. It uses ultrasonic technology to produce fine water mist, and you can choose between three mist settings. The 0.79-gallon tank delivers 14 hours of use.
The essential oil humidifiers offered by VicTsing are worth considering. They stand out thanks to their wooden design.
There is an aromatherapy model with a built-in LED nightlight with 14 different colors. It provides four to six hours of operation and uses ultrasonic technology.
We like this humidifier because you add a few drops of essential oil in the tank instead of using a scented pad. It’s a more affordable way to use essential oils, and there are no limits to the oils you can use.
Honeywell has an excellent selection of affordable and performing humidifiers. The downside of these products is that they don’t make good decor pieces like Air Innovations humidifiers.
We like the HUL520W Mistmate model because it’s easy to use. The 0.5-gallon tank will deliver water mist for up to 20 hours. You can adjust the mist level thanks to the knob, and the humidifier will shut off by itself if the tank is empty.
The Honeywell HCM350W is another interesting option to consider. This humidifier uses UV light to eliminate bacteria. We like the modern design of the humidifier and the simple controls. It uses a wicking filter that you will have to clean and change. The one-gallon tank is good for 24 hours of use.
Air Innovations humidifiers stand out from other products because of the product selection and ceramic filters. However, there are a few reasons to consider other brands.
Pros
Excellent selection of products and features
Good selection of large humidifiers
Ceramic filters
Anti-bacterial plastic for tanks and bases
Original color selection
Most humidifiers make great decor pieces
Adjustable mist settings
Digital controls on some models
Ultrasonic technology on some models
Aromatherapy tray on some models
Extras like a remote or removable nozzle
One-year warrantyLots of shopping options available online
Cons
Other brands are more affordable
No UV light to eliminate bacteria
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Need to buy scented pads for aromatherapy tray
Some brands have 18-month warranty
A limited selection of personal humidifiers
A limited range available in stores
Conclusion And Rating
Our Air Innovations humidifier review discussed the different product categories available and the pros and cons of these products. In the end, we think Air Innovations deserves a rating of four out of five stars for its humidifiers.
There are a few drawbacks to consider. Other brands offer humidifiers with similar features for a little less. The aromatherapy tray is a feature we like, but you need to purchase scented pads to use it. Other humidifiers let you mix a few drops of essential oil in the water tank. This feature makes aromatherapy more affordable and opens up more possibilities since you can use any essential oils you want.
The other drawback is the Air Innovations uses anti-bacterial plastic to prevent bacteria and microbes from growing inside of your humidifier. It’s an effective way to prevent bacteria growth, but some products are more pro-active and use a UV light to kill bacteria.
We think Air Innovations is a brand worth considering because of the ceramic filters. It’s the only brand that uses ceramic filters for all its humidifiers. A ceramic filter lasts longer than other materials and extends the lifespan of the humidifier.
You won’t have to clean or replace the ceramic filter of your humidifier. We think you can justify spending a little more to get an Air Innovations humidifier since you won’t have to purchase filters.
The product selection and product design are impressive. You can easily find humidifiers with tank capacities suitable for large rooms. We wish Air Innovations had a wider variety of personal humidifiers, but you can find a few small appliances on the official website of the brand.
Overall, we think Air Innovations is an excellent choice if you want a quality humidifier that enhances your decor and effectively controls humidity levels.
