It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Kokedama and Tillandsias — aka, air plants.

Why are these plants so very cool?

Plants make people happy, and sometimes you meet a plant that will just make you want to take care of it. Air plants are those plants.

Plant pets and Koke babies are just a few nicknames that plant lovers bestow on these adorable species that can be hung from a ceiling, a door knob, a shower curtain or set on a beautiful ceramic dish. Air plants can also be placed on a mantel, in your car or you could go as far as placing a Tillandsia on your jacket.

How to care for Kokedamas

Research the plant’s native environments and care for them accordingly. Plants are divided into three different categories: woodland, cacti and succulent.

The woodland variety (ferns) requires attention once a week if in a very dry home. If the plant is outside, Mother Nature will do the job until the dry season begins in May.

Plants of the cacti variety rarely need to be watered, so do not leave these outside. Cacti varieties also will not tolerate high humidity, so do not put them near a sink or in a humid room.

The succulent variety need only be checked every two weeks and watered sparingly as they hold water for quite some time.

All plants prefer sun, but woodland variety plants, such as ferns, can tolerate some shade.

While sun is fine, if your home is very dry, once a week quickly dip the airplant in water that has sat overnight.Shake off excess water and be sure the plant dries within four hours.

On the other hand, those caring for air plants in high-humidity homes will hardly have to do anything except fertilize occasionally.

For more detailed plant information, it is best to research the plant species you’re caring for.

— Sylvia Matlock, Dig Nursery