11 Ideas for Air Plants (Easy Displays)

Air plants, also known as Tillandsias, are versatile and easy-to-care-for plants that can be displayed in various ways. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning tabletop centerpiece or a space-saving solution, the ideas and examples below showcase the beauty and adaptability of these amazing plants.

From hanging glass terrariums to wall-mounted wireframes, these display ideas will inspire you to create unique and captivating arrangements for your air plant collection.

Creative Ideas and Ways to Display Air Plants

Air plants are incredibly diverse, there are many different species, shapes, and sizes. Like most plants they grow upright but did you know Tillandsias can grow horizontally as well as upside down? That means you can get very creative with these versatile plants.

In particular, I like to mount my Tillandsias on driftwood or branches as this looks very natural. However, depending on the species, I also like to hang my air plants on macrame hangers or from single strands of wire.

Larger air plants with open rosettes and arching leaves look fantastic when hung from one or two strands of wire.

The following ideas and displays are cheap and easy to replicate at home, in your yard, or garden, and you may already have the raw materials to hand. Most of these ideas are simple yet very effective and with a little creativity and personalization, I’m sure you can make them your own.

Air Plant Jellyfish

Combining sea urchin shells and air plants can be a fun and low-maintenance way to decorate homes, offices, or other spaces. You have to admit, these jellyfish decorations look rather funky as well as attractive.

I love how the air plant’s leaves mimic the tentacles of a jellyfish. These shells include a layer of moss which is clever as it adds texture and hides any fixtures or glue. There’s a beachy vibe coming from this display.

If you’re opposed to using real sea urchin shells you can buy artificial sea urchin-shaped planters made from materials like ceramic or plastic, specifically designed to hold air plants. These planters can be used to create a similar aesthetic without using real shells.

Chicken Wire Fences and Frames

Chicken wire fences and frames are ideal for hanging or mounting air plants. You can create a fence/frame like the one below or create a hanging display by shaping the wire into a cylindrical or spherical form and securing the edges with pliers.

Place your plants inside the gaps and secure them if needed with fishing line or bonsai wire. Whatever form your display takes it will add a beautiful arrangement of greenery to any space. Just like this one …

Please wear suitable gloves when handling and cutting chicken wire, it can be sharp in places and isn’t easy to manipulate. Also, make sure the structure you’re attaching your fence or frame to is secure and able to take the weight of the chicken wire and your air plants.

Outdoor Walls and Rock Displays

Incorporating air plants into an existing wall or rock display is an easy and attractive way to showcase your Tillandsias. With rock displays, you can place your air plants into the natural crevices in the rocks or even drill small holes to secure your plants.

Alternatively, you can create a pile of rocks and stones to display your plants, creating a small landscape. You can also stack flat rocks of various sizes to form small walls or towers, and then position your air plants between the layers to create an interesting sculptural display.

Outside walls and old outbuildings often develop cracks and crevices within their brickwork which are perfect for displaying air plants. With proper care and a warm environment, your air plants will thrive and add a natural element to your outdoor decor.

Backyard Fence Panels

I love the simplicity of using existing backyard fence panels to display air plants. Make sure your fence panels receive partial to bright, indirect sunlight, otherwise, your plants will not thrive and will be better located elsewhere.

Use bonsai wire or fishing line to securely attach your air plants to the fence panels, wrapping the wire or line around the base of your plants taking care not to damage their leaves.

You can arrange your plants in a pattern or design of your choice, such as a vertical or horizontal line, or even a geometric shape. Alternatively, create a more random or organic arrangement like the one above.

By following these steps, you can create a stunning display of air plants on your backyard fence panels, adding a touch of natural beauty to your outdoor space.

Trellis Panels and Tillandsias

Hanging Tillandsias on trellis panels is an excellent way to create a stunning vertical garden that adds a natural scene to your outdoor or indoor space. Trellis panels also provide the perfect structure for attaching air plants, allowing them to grow and thrive while creating an eye-catching display.

Choose a trellis panel that complements your space and ensure it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of your air plants. Wooden panels look the best in my opinion, however, you can also buy metal and plastic panels, depending on your preference and the overall style of your space.

In addition to air plants, you can incorporate other decorative elements into your trellis panel displays, such as small ornaments, fairy lights, or other trailing plants. This will add depth, texture, and visual interest to your vertical garden.

Wood-mounted Ideas for Air Plants

Wood-mounted displays are a beautiful and rustic way to showcase your air plants. They add a natural and organic touch. Wooden displays can be easily customized to suit your style and preferences and will provide a sturdy and attractive base.

To create a wood-mounted display, select a piece of wood that complements your space and air plants. Choose from various types of wood, such as driftwood, reclaimed, grapevine, cholla, or even a tree branch.

Ensure the wood is clean, dry, and free from any harmful chemicals or pests that could potentially damage your air plants.

Decide on the best arrangement for your air plants. I recommend following the natural contours and shape of the wood. Then use a fishing line, bonsai wire, or glue to securely attach your plants.

Wrap the line or wire around the base of each plant, taking care not to damage the leaves, and then tie it to the wood or pass it through pre-drilled holes.

Alternatively, glue your plants to the wood, or use wire as shown in the following display to hold and elevate your air plants – I love this idea as it enables you to easily remove your plants when watering.

To add extra visual interest and depth to your displays, consider incorporating other natural elements such as moss, lichens, stones, or shells. You can also add small decorative elements like miniature figurines or beads to create a unique and personalized touch.

Workshop Benches

The workshop bench idea is about as rustic as it gets. Repurposing an old workshop bench to display air plants is an easy way to add greenery to your home or workshop. You could decorate the entire bench or perhaps just a shelf if the bench is still a functional workstation.

You could also sand the bench, and consider painting or staining it to match your interior decor. If you’re in the decorating mood enhance your display’s visual appeal by incorporating decorative elements such as driftwood, stones, lichens, pictures, etc.

You can of course use a repurposed workshop bench to display your air plants outdoors if you live in a warm enough climate. Be aware, Tillandsias do not like frosts or cold winds so use a sheltered location in cooler environments.

Home Decor

Introducing air plants into your home decor is a simple and effective way to add a natural, living element to your space. Air plants are incredibly versatile and low-maintenance, making them ideal for various decorative styles and arrangements.

There are so many options from wall-mounted or hanging displays to attaching your air plants to wooden objects, picture frames, metal grids, or placing them in terrariums and glass containers. The options are endless.

Alternatively, simply place your plants on a shelf or wooden box, like in the display below, or inside a few pots here and there to create an attractive display.

Air plants can also be used as tabletop centerpieces, incorporated into wreaths and mobiles, or mixed with other houseplants for a diverse and wonderful display.

Air Plant Wireframes

Air plant wireframes offer a modern way to display your Tillandsias. These types of frames come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, ranging from simple rectangular shapes to geometric forms for more intricate and artistic arrangements.

The minimalist nature of wireframes allows the beauty and texture of the air plants to take center stage while the open structure helps to provide good air circulation around the plants.

When selecting a wireframe consider the size and shape of your air plants as well as the overall aesthetic of your living space. Brass and stainless steel wireframes add a touch of elegance and sophistication while black or colored frames provide a bold and contemporary look.

Why not try making a DIY wireframe, a one-of-a-kind display, that perfectly complements your interior design style?

Contrasting Tillandsia Displays

By combining air plants with varying leaf shapes, colors, and textures, you can create stunning arrangements that highlight the unique characteristics of each plant.

When selecting air plants for your displays consider the wide range of leaf shapes available from slender and needle-like to broad and curly. Tillandsia Tenuifolia for example has thin linear leaves that provide a delicate and wispy appearance while Tillandsia Xerographica boasts wide curly leaves that will add volume and depth to your arrangements.

Many air plants feature silver, green, or blue hues, while others showcase vibrant pinks, purples, and reds, especially during blooming.

Arranging plants with complementary or contrasting colors can create a harmonious and balanced composition that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

I recommend you experiment with different heights, angles, and groupings to create a sense of depth and movement. Place larger, bolder plants as focal points and use smaller more delicate plants to fill in the gaps to create a cohesive overall design.

Custom-made Objects

Custom-made objects for air plants offer a unique opportunity to create a truly personalized and one-of-a-kind display that perfectly complements your home decor and style. One approach is to repurpose or upcycle items that hold sentimental value or reflect your interests.

For example, you can convert vintage teacups, antique picture frames, or even musical instruments into unique planters for your Tillandsias. Repurposed objects not only provide a visually interesting display but also tell a story and add a layer of personal meaning to your arrangements.

Another option is to collaborate with local artisans or craftspeople to create custom-designed pieces specifically for your air plants. Woodworkers for example can craft beautiful one-of-a-kind stands or wall-mounted shelves that showcase your Tillandsias while adding a natural and organic element to your decor.

For a more modern and minimalist approach consider working with metal fabricators to design sleek and contemporary stands, trellises, or mobiles that feature clean lines and geometric shapes.

These custom-made metal objects can create a striking contrast against the organic nature of your air plants resulting in a visually compelling and sophisticated display.