Succulents are famous for being the ultimate low-maintenance survivors. But did you know some of these hardy plants don’t even need soil to thrive? In their natural habitats, they’ve learned to adapt to some pretty unusual surfaces, pulling moisture and nutrients straight out of the air and storing them in their leaves.
Epiphytes: The Plants That Live on Air
The succulent family is incredibly diverse, and one of the coolest groups is the “epiphytes.” These are “hitchhiker” plants that have evolved to live without being rooted in the ground. A perfect example is the *Tillandsia* genus, part of the Bromeliad family, which you’ll find growing on rocks or tree branches in the wild.
Because they don’t need traditional potting mix, we usually call them “air plants.” They look stunning in a home setting—think hanging glass terrariums or minimalist decorative bowls. Just remember: since these beauties “drink” through their leaves, you’ll need to give them a regular misting with water to keep them happy.
Planting Succulents in Glass: Getting Ready
If you want to show off a soil-free succulent in style, a glass container is the way to go. To get started, you’ll just need your air plant, a glass vessel of your choice, some plant-safe adhesive, pebbles or decorative stones, and any extra flair you want to add.
Pro Tip: If you’re working with succulents that have thorns or are part of the cactus family, definitely toss on a pair of thick, thorn-proof gardening gloves before you start!
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Glass Succulent Display
Ready to build your own unique glass arrangement? Just follow these simple steps:
- Start by filling about a quarter of your glass container with your favorite pebbles or stones.
- Use a little bit of plant glue to secure your succulent onto one of the larger stones.
- Fill in any gaps with smaller pebbles to make sure the plant feels stable and secure.
- Optional: Get creative! Add any decorative elements that fit your style.
- Give the whole arrangement a generous misting of water to welcome your plant to its new home.
Looking for more ideas? You can also mount your succulents on a piece of driftwood using a small stainless steel rod for support. For a super easy bathroom hack, try attaching small *Tillandsias* to a suction cup on the mirror. Or, if you have a stem-forming variety, you can even tie it directly onto a decorative branch for a natural, rustic look.
