Which Plant Will Win Succulent Vs. Air Plant

Succulents and air plants are two of the most popular types of plants. They are both easy to care for and require very little maintenance. But what are the differences between Succulent vs. Air Plant?

In this blog post, I will compare and contrast the two types of plants, looking at their care needs, preferred growing conditions, and overall appearance. Stay tuned to learn more about succulents and air plants!

What Are Succulent Plants?

Succulent plants are a type of plant that stores water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They are often found in arid or semi-arid climates, where they can survive long periods without water.

Succulents are known for their unique appearance, often featuring fleshy leaves or stems of various colors. While they are often associated with desert climates, you can find succulents in many different parts of the world.

What Are Air Plants?

Air Plants are a type of plant that doesn’t need soil to grow. They get all the nutrients they need from the air, water, and sunlight. You can grow air plants indoors or outdoors, in a pot or on the ground.

Air Plants are easy to care for and don’t need much attention. Water them once a week and give them bright, indirect sunlight. You can also mist them with water every few days to keep them hydrated.

There are many different air plants, so you can choose the one that best fits your home. Some air plants can even bloom flowers!

Differences Between Air Plants and Succulents

Succulents and air plants are both popular choices for indoor plants. Both are easy to care for and require little water. However, there are some important differences between these two types of plants. 

Appearance 

At a glance, it can be tricky to tell the difference between an air plant and a succulent. Both plants have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. However, these two types of plants have some key appearance differences.

Air plants are typically smaller than succulents and have thinner, more delicate leaves. They also don’t have roots and rely on their leaves to absorb moisture from the air.

On the other hand, Succulents have thicker leaves and roots that help them store water. They also tend to be larger than air plants.

When choosing a plant for your home, consider the size and type of leaves you prefer. An air plant may be better if you’re looking for a small plant with delicate leaves. A succulent may be better if you want a larger plant with thicker leaves.

Soil

Air plants are unique in that they do not need soil to grow. Instead, they absorb the nutrients they need from the air around them. This makes air plant care very easy, as they can be grown in various environments. However, you need to ensure enough air circulation and moisture.

Succulents, on the other hand, do need soil to grow. They get most of the water and nutrients they need from the planted soil. This means that they require more care than air plants, as you need to water them regularly, and their soil needs to be well-drained.

Light

While succulents and air plants need sunlight to thrive, air plants require more light than succulents. If you’re considering an air plant for your home, place it in a bright spot. South-facing windows are ideal, but east- and west-facing windows will also work. If you don’t have a spot with enough natural light, you can supplement with grow lights.

Succulents, on the other hand, can tolerate lower light conditions. If you’re considering a succulent for your home, choose a spot that gets some bright indirect sunlight. Avoid placing succulents in dark corners or north-facing windows.

Temperature

Succulents are native to warm, dry climates and need a temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. On the other hand, Air plants are native to tropical climates. They can tolerate a wider range of temperatures, from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing a succulent tolerant of cooler temperatures is important if you live in a cold climate. Some varieties, such as sempervivums and sedums, can tolerate temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Suppose you’re not sure whether a particular succulent will be tolerant of your climate. In that case, it’s always best to check with a local nursery or gardening center.

Air plants are more sensitive to cold than succulents, so choosing a variety tolerant of cooler temperatures is important if you live in a climate below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Some varieties, such as air plants Tillandsia Ionantha, can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water

Water is one of the most important factors when caring for succulents and air plants. Succulents need more water than air plants. You should water them about once a week, ensuring the soil is completely dry before watering again. When watering succulents, you need to use room temperature or cooler water. 

You only need to water air plants about once a month. You can mist them more often if they are in a dry environment.

This will help prevent root rot. You can water air plants with tap water, but letting them sit out for a few hours is best to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, air plants and succulents have different needs. 

Air plants are plants that get their nutrients from the air around them. They don’t need soil to grow, which makes them ideal for people who don’t want to deal with the mess of potting soil. You can place them in various locations, including direct sunlight or low-light conditions.

Succulents are a type of plant that stores water in its leaves. This enables them to survive in dry conditions. Succulents are available in various shapes and sizes, making them popular for indoor plants. They are also easy to care for and require little water. You need to protect them from frost and extreme heat.

When choosing a plant for your home, you should consider your environment and what type of care you can give. Suppose you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that can survive in various conditions. In that case, a succulent may be a better choice. An air plant may be better if you want a unique and easy plant to care for.

Cost

Air plants are often more expensive than succulents. This is because they are less common and more difficult to grow. However, succulents can also be quite expensive, depending on the type and size you choose.

When deciding between an air plant and a succulent, the cost is an important factor to consider. 

A succulent may be better if you’re looking for a more affordable plant. If you’re willing to spend more on a unique plant, an air plant may be a better choice.

Pros of Succulent and air plant

Some advantages of choosing an air plant over a succulent include:

• Succulents are low-maintenance plants that do not require a lot of water.
• Succulents can help to reduce air pollution.
• Succulents are drought-resistant and can grow in a variety of soil types.
• Succulents can add a touch of nature to any indoor space.
• Succulents are great for people with allergies or asthma.
• Succulents can help to improve your indoor air quality.
• Succulents are easy to grow and you can place them in any corner of your home.
• Succulent plants can help to reduce energy costs by using less light than traditional plants.
• Succulent plants are easy to propagate and can be grown from stem cuttings or seedlings.
• A variety of succulent plants are available on the market so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Some advantages of choosing an air plant over a succulent include:

• Air plant care is easier than succulents. They generally do not require watering regularly but may need a light misting if they start to dry out.
• Air plants grow without much sunlight.
• Air plants are typically smaller than succulent plants.
• Air plants can survive without soil.
• Air plants are low-maintenance and you can place them in any corner of your home.
• Air plants easily propagate so that you can create more plants from existing ones.
• Air plants can purify the air.
• Air plants require little water and are good for people with low water resources.

Cons of Succulent and air plant

Some disadvantages of choosing an air plant over a succulent include:

• Air plants may require more light than some succulents to grow properly. If your home is dark, it may be difficult for an air plant to thrive.
• Air plants are not as tolerant of temperature extremes as succulents.
• Air plants are not as tolerant of neglect as succulents. It will look wilted and sad if you forget to water your air plant for a few days.
• Air plants need more humidity than succulents. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to mist your air plant daily or put it in a humid room like the bathroom.
• Air plants are more delicate than succulents. Pets or children can easily damage them.
• Air plants can be more expensive than succulents.

Some disadvantages of choosing an air plant over a succulent include:

• You have to water succulents more often than air plants
• Succulents are a little harder than air plant care.
• Succulents are more susceptible to pests and diseases than air plants
• Succulents need less light than air plants to grow
• You can grow succulents in a wider variety of habitats than air plants
• You can grow succulents in containers, while air plants are not recommended for this
• Succulents need more soil than air plants
• Succulents are slower to grow than air plants

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Succulents Grow As Air Plants?

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves or stems and can therefore survive in drier climates. Air plants, also known as Tillandsias, do not have this water storage capability and require more humid environments to thrive. While succulents can grow as air plants, they will not be as healthy as those grown in more humid conditions.

Do Succulent Plants Help Clean The Air?

Some evidence suggests that succulent plants may help improve the air quality in a space. The NASA Clean Air Study found that certain succulents (including aloe vera, snake plants, and golden pothos) can remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Do Succulents Give You Oxygen?

No, succulents do not give you oxygen. The misconception may be that succulents photosynthesize, producing oxygen as a by-product. However, since succulents consume carbon dioxide and release water vapor and oxygen as part of photosynthesis, they decrease the level of oxygen in an environment.

Which Plant Purifies The Air The Most?

The plant that purifies the air the most is the Areca catechu, commonly known as the Betel nut palm. This plant can remove harmful gases from the air, such as carbon dioxide and benzene, and replace them with oxygen. The Betel nut palm also effectively removes particulate matter from the air, making it a great choice for purifying indoor spaces.

Which Plant Is Good For The Bedroom?

The type of plant that would be best for this purpose would depend on various factors, including the climate where you live and the size of your bedroom. Some plants may produce a strong aroma that could be unpleasant, while others may be toxic if ingested. You have to do your research before selecting a plant for this purpose and consult with a professional if you have any questions.

Do Air Plants Need Sun?

No, air plants do not need sun. Air plants get their nutrients and moisture from the air to be placed in various locations, including direct sunlight. However, if an air plant is placed in direct sunlight for extended periods, it may become sunburned.

Where Do You Put Air Plants?

Air plant terrariums are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants but don’t take any nutrients from them. They get their nutrients and water from the air, which is perfect for indoor gardens. They can be attached to pieces of wood, cork, or other material with a bit of wire or string, or you can just let them hang loose.

How Long Do Air Plants Live?

Air plants are epiphytes, so they don’t need soil to grow. They get their nutrients from the air and rain to live in various conditions. They typically live for 2-5 years, but some can live for ten years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a succulent or air plant for your home, you should consider the climate and environment of the room. Succulents require less water and sunlight than air plants, so they are better for dry or sunny rooms. Air plants are better suited for humid environments. Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of plant is right for you is to consider your lifestyle and habits.