Buying guide
Buy an Air Plant online
Sizes, what to check, and where to buy
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
Quick verdict
- Buy it if you can give it bright indirect light.
- Difficulty: Easy · Pets: Tillandsia is not on the ASPCA list; it is widely regarded as non-toxic, but ask your vet if unsure
- Size to buy: A small pot is the usual buy; its size at maturity is 2-12 in.
- Where to buy: 5 shops we checked list it in stock (7 Nov 2026): Air Plant Shop, Rooted (Hey Rooted), Gabriella Plants, Logee's, Lively Root. Amazon also returns live-plant search results.
Quick picks shop listing checked 7 Nov 2026
Compare all 5 shops ↓ · Care guide
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
Air plants grow without soil, taking water and nutrients through their leaves. They suit terrariums, driftwood mounts and small spaces.
Plant profile
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Soak or rinse at least once a week, then dry upside down
- Humidity
- Average; more frequent soaks in dry homes
- Pets
- Tillandsia is not on the ASPCA list; it is widely regarded as non-toxic, but ask your vet if unsure [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Size
- 2-12 in
- Growth
- Slow
Compare shops that list a air plant
In stock on 7 Nov 2026, cheapest listing per shop. Shops with 100+ independent reviews first, then by price. Prices change daily; the shop's checkout wins.
| Shop | Listing we found | From | Guarantee | Shipping | Winter shipping | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Plant Shop | Tillandsia Ionantha Scaposa 'Kolbii' Air Plants [Single Plant] +251 more listings | $3.95 | 30-day quality guarantee | At checkout | Not published | View at Air Plant Shop |
| Rooted (Hey Rooted) | Mystery Air Plant +4 more listings | $5.00 | 30-day guarantee | Free over $95 | Winter Packaging add-on (needed for cold-damage cover) | View at Rooted (Hey Rooted) |
| Gabriella Plants | Tillandsia Assortment 3-Pack +1 more listing | $16.99 | Replaced or refunded if damaged; report within 10 days | At checkout | Avoids weekend transit | View at Gabriella Plants |
| Logee's | Tillandsia Ionantha Air Plant Cluster | $20.00 | 60-day guarantee | From $11.95 (by order value) | Free heat pack on 2-day or overnight | View at Logee's |
| Lively Root | Air Plant Grab Bag +1 more listing | $42.00 | 30-day guarantee | $9 flat standard | Thermal sleeve; may hold orders | View at Lively Root |
Ordering when it is cold? Read buying plants online in winter. Policy terms from each shop's own pages; compare policies. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list or the order. Disclosure.
What size to buy, and what it costs right now
Price range for the plant in its basic grow pot, from in-stock listings on 7 Nov 2026. Shops name sizes differently, so check the pot diameter and height on the listing.
| Size | What it usually means | Price range | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | About 2 to 4 inch nursery pot; tabletop or shelf | $7–$67 | 25 listings at 3 shops |
| Medium | About 5 to 6 inch pot or 1 gallon; desk or side table | $7–$43 | 24 listings at 1 shop |
| Large | About 8 to 10 inch pot or 2 to 3 gallon; floor or plant stand | $5–$72 | 46 listings at 3 shops |
| Extra large | 12 inch pot and up or 5+ gallon; floor statement plant | $7–$125 | 23 listings at 1 shop |
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Ready to buy an air plant? A shop we verified lists it, or search Amazon.
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
Is an air plant right for you?
It suits you if you can give it bright indirect light and you are happy to water soak or rinse at least once a week, then dry upside down. Difficulty: Easy. Tillandsia is not on the ASPCA list; it is widely regarded as non-toxic, but ask your vet if unsure. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.
Similar plants to consider: Monstera, Pothos, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant.
Size and age buying guide
| Size | What you usually get | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Tabletop / shelf | Usually a 4-6 in nursery pot. | Cheapest way in; expect a long wait to reach a large size. |
Younger or older plant? A younger, smaller plant costs less and settles in easily; an older, larger plant gives you the look straight away but costs more to buy and ship. With a slow growth rate and a mature size of 2-12 in, buy close to the size you want.
Sizes and what you will receive
Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature air plant can reach 2-12 in and growth is slow, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.
What to check when buying: a healthy air plant
- Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
- No soft or rotting base where the leaves meet.
- No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.
Problems to know about before buying:
- Brown, mushy base: Rot from water left in the center.
- Curling, crispy leaves: Underwatered; soak longer or more often.
- Fading color: Too little light.
What to check on arrival
- Photograph the box and the plant before and while you unpack; most guarantees ask for photos.
- Leaves and stems: firm, evenly colored leaves; no snapped stems or mushy tissue at the soil line.
- Base: no soft or rotting base where the leaves meet.
- Pests: no webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Size: compare the pot size and height with the listing you ordered.
- Report problems quickly under the shop’s guarantee.
Guarantee terms of the shops that list it, from their own policy pages (checked 21 Oct 2026):
- Lively Root: 30 Day Happiness Guarantee: dead or damaged plants replaced; send a photo within 30 days of delivery.
- Rooted (Hey Rooted): 30 Day Happiness Guarantee (site banner).
Problems that often show up after delivery:
- Brown, mushy base: Rot from water left in the center.
- Curling, crispy leaves: Underwatered; soak longer or more often.
- Fading color: Too little light.
Prices
We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.
Shipping and seasonal risks
Tropical plants like this one suffer below about 50°F (10°C). In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.
Your first week after delivery
- Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
- Water it as described in our care guide.
- Give it bright indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
- Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
- Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: Air Plant care.
Where to buy an air plant online, and why
Comparing shops in general? See the best places to buy plants online. We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 7 Nov 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.
Lively Root
Listing we found: Air Plant Grab Bag (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Online plant shop with a plant finder quiz, pet-friendly and low-light collections, subscriptions and corporate gifting. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; 48 contiguous US states (no Hawaii or Alaska).
What customers say: Buyers like the selection and size options; soil spillage and winter damage come up. Read the summary
Rooted (Hey Rooted)
Listing we found: Mystery Air Plants, 5-Pack (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Houseplant shop with pet-friendly, low-light, easy-care and size-based collections, bundles and subscriptions. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; Free shipping on orders $95+.
What customers say: Good reports on packing and less common plants, but recent winter and service complaints. Read the summary
Logee's
Listing we found: Tillandsia Ionantha Air Plant Cluster (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Connecticut greenhouse dating to 1892, known for fruiting and tropical plants.6/5 from 4 reviews. Policy notes: 60-day guarantee; shipping: From $11.95 (by order value); winter: Free heat pack on 2-day or overnight.
Gabriella Plants
Listing we found: Tillandsia Assortment 3-Pack (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Texas-based shop known for rare aroids and variegated plants. Policy notes: Replaced or refunded if damaged; report within 10 days; shipping: At checkout; winter: Avoids weekend transit.
Air Plant Shop
Listing we found: Tillandsia Ionantha Scaposa 'Kolbii' Air Plants [Single Plant] (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Air plant specialist. Policy notes: 30-day quality guarantee; shipping: At checkout; winter: Not published.
Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.
Ready to buy an air plant? A shop we verified lists it, or search Amazon.
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
FAQ: buying an air plant online
Where can I buy an air plant online?
We confirmed that Lively Root, Rooted (Hey Rooted) list an air plant (checked 21 Oct 2026). Compare them in the table on this page. Amazon search results also include live plants from various sellers.
What size air plant should I buy?
A small pot is the usual buy; its size at maturity is 2-12 in. Online shops sell by nursery pot diameter, and height varies within one pot size, so read the listed height too.
Is an air plant safe for cats and dogs?
Tillandsia is not on the ASPCA list; it is widely regarded as non-toxic, but ask your vet if unsure. Check the ASPCA plant list and ask your vet if a pet chews it.
Is an air plant easy to care for?
Our care guide rates it easy. It needs bright indirect light; water soak or rinse at least once a week, then dry upside down. Humidity: average; more frequent soaks in dry homes.
What should I check when my air plant arrives?
Photograph the box and plant as you unpack, check for firm leaves, unbroken stems, soil that is not waterlogged and no pests under the leaves, then report any problem to the shop quickly, as guarantees have short windows.
When is the best time to order an air plant online?
Order in mild weather where you can. In winter, choose a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather; in summer, avoid shipments that sit in a hot truck over a long weekend.
Does Plantshop.com sell plants?
No. We are an independent buying guide; we do not sell plants or handle orders. We link to shops and may earn a commission on some links, which never decides what we list.
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