Showcasing an air plant in an arrangement is a lot easier than it sounds, there are just a few tips and guidelines to follow and then you can let your creative juices flow.
– Air plants are a tropical botanical so keep them away from the cooler, temperatures below 45-50 degrees can result in them freezing so I like to place them in the arrangement or bouquet just before it leaves to be delivered.
– Glue is the preferred method to attaching an air plant to a pick or any display you are using, but the type of glue you select is the key. I prefer to use low temperature hot glue, but you need to be careful because if the temperature is too high you can scold the leaves. When selecting glue also avoid strongly scented glues, the chemicals can often be toxic to plants, I also try to stay away from glues that take a long time to set.
– Corsage tape (stem wrap) is a great way to cover your mechanics and help secure an air plant to a pick. The color of the tape acts as a form of camouflage to hide your glue and give you a cohesive appearance.
-When I utilize an air plant in a design I like to use plant stakes for bridal bouquets and taller arrangements and a 6” wired pick for shorter centerpieces. These give you a sturdy support that can be adjusted in length to fit your design needs, and they are also thin enough that you can easily cover and hide them in the arrangement.
Just keep in mind that when you are trying something new it’s all about having fun with it, playing with proportions and placement in an arrangement is just part of the experience.
