How to Display Air Plants in a Retail Space: Expert Tips from Air Plant Shop Boutique

Oct 31, 2024

Thinking about selling air plants (a.k.a. Tillandsia) in your shop or farmers market booth? Great idea! Not only are air plants low-maintenance and fun to display, but they also attract curious customers like magnets. Here at Air Plant Shop, we recently expanded from being online-only for over 12 years to opening our very own retail space in beautiful Saint Augustine, Florida – come visit us! Along the way, we’ve picked up plenty of tips for displaying, explaining, and keeping air plants looking fresh and fabulous for shoppers. So grab your notebook—you're about to learn some simple, effective ways to make air plants a hit in your store!

1. Choosing the Right Air Plants for Retail

Start with the basics (at least at first) and lean on some expert guidance—after all, we’ve been at this for over a decade! Through our experience, we’ve learned which air plants attract the most attention and are easiest for customers to care for. To begin, go with these tried-and-true varieties:

Tillandsia Ionantha
Tillandsia Caput Medusae
Tillandsia Harrisii
Tillandsia Stricta ‘Green’ Hybrid
Tillandsia Abdita
Tillandsia Red Abdita *customer favorite
Tillandsia Bulbosa Guatemala

These options hit the perfect balance for both affordability and durability, making them ideal for a retail setting. They can withstand typical indoor conditions and fluctuations in temperature, but remember—they still need daily indirect sunlight and some supplemental LED light to stay vibrant!

Graduating to Premium Plants for Collectors

Once you’ve established a solid lineup, consider adding some premium Tillandsia varieties to catch the eye of collectors and plant enthusiasts. Here are our top recommendations for high-impact, specialty plants:

Offering these unique options can add excitement to your selection and keep your customers coming back for more!

Pricing tip: Wondering how to set the right price for your air plants and displays? No worries! At Air Plant Shop, we offer nearly all of our products at both retail and wholesale prices, which can be a helpful guide. Simply refer to our suggested retail prices as a starting point, then adjust based on your local market and customer base. With these references, pricing becomes a breeze!

2. Creating Eye-Catching Displays

An effective display makes a huge difference! Air plants have natural shapes and textures that are perfect for unique visual arrangements. Here are a few ways to showcase them beautifully:

Grouping Plants by Shape and Size: We’ve found that grouping air plants by general size and price point, rather than by specific names (especially for basic varieties), makes them more approachable for customers who are new to air plants. At Air Plant Shop Boutique, we offer three distinct groupings, with a special deal for customers who purchase three plants from the same group. This setup simplifies the selection process and encourages customers to explore a variety of plants!
Wall Mounts and Hanging Displays: Air plants look fantastic in hanging glass terrariums, wall-mounted holders, or even attached to our cork bark. These lifestyle displays will inspire your customers and encourage them to make a purchase! We’ve found that using metal grids is especially effective, as they are not only durable but also highly customizable, allowing you to create unique and eye-catching arrangements.
Tabletop and Natural Displays: Arrange plants on decorative trays with stones, shells, or moss to create a natural feel. Adding accessories – such as Air Plant Mister, Air Plant Bonsai-Style Pruning Scissors, Ready-To-Use Air Plant Fertilizer Spray – can enhance the display and offer upselling opportunities.
Don't forget! It's crucial to ensure proper airflow around the plants to prevent rot. Avoid overcrowding in your arrangements, and leave space between each plant for air circulation. Consider using trays with holes or slats to allow for better ventilation. By keeping air plants well-ventilated, you’ll maintain their health and longevity while providing an attractive presentation for your customers.

3. Building an Interactive Experience for Shoppers

Encouraging shoppers to engage with the plants can make a big difference in sales. Here are some ideas:

Encourage Handling: Air plants are hardy, and letting customers feel and experience them can help break down any care hesitations or misconceptions. At Air Plant Shop Boutique, we like to say, "You can touch them! That's the best part of shopping in-person! They all feel so different." or something similar.
Create Informative Signage: Use small signs to provide basic care information and fun facts. Signs like “Easy to Care For!” or “No Soil Needed!” help sell the plants. While your employees can share these tips, signage offers a helpful, low-pressure way for customers to learn about air plants—perfect for those who may feel shy about asking questions.
Add QR Codes: Display QR codes near plants that link to online care guides or styling ideas. These make it easy for customers to feel confident about their purchase! Check out our example signage in the image on the right.

4. Explaining Air Plant Care Simply and Clearly

One of the best things about air plants is their low-maintenance care routine. However, providing a quick, clear explanation to customers is essential:

Keep it Simple: Explain care in three points—indirect sunlight, weekly misting or soaking, and good airflow. ✅✅✅
Mini Care Guides: Offer mini care cards with each purchase so customers remember how to care for their plants at home. Extra Air Plant Shop care cards are available at wholesale prices, making it easy to keep these handy guides in stock.
Train Your Team: Make sure your team can quickly share care tips. Consistency in communication helps build customer confidence and loyalty! We have an abundance of resources to help you and your team learn all about air plants. Check out our blogs and YouTube videos.

5. Maintenance Tips to Keep Plants Fresh

Displaying healthy, vibrant plants is key to successful merchandising. Here are our top tips for keeping plants in great shape:

Rotate Stock Regularly: Freshen up your displays by rotating stock so that no single plant gets neglected or overexposed. Consider storing some inventory in a separate location, like a greenhouse or an outdoor area, when not on display to ensure all plants stay vibrant and healthy.
Dusting and Hydration: A quick misting or dusting weekly keeps plants clean and fresh-looking. If plants are in glass terrariums, be mindful of water residue that may build up.
Temperature and Airflow: Be cautious of air plants getting too warm or not getting enough air circulation. Place them away from any heat vents or poorly ventilated areas to keep them happy!

6. Wrapping It Up: Packaging and Takeaways for Customers

A well-wrapped plant with clear instructions ensures customers leave feeling confident. Here’s how to create a memorable experience:

Choose Eco-Friendly Packaging: Kraft paper bags, recyclable boxes, or reusable totes add a thoughtful touch that aligns with eco-conscious shopping. Plus, it matches the natural aesthetic of air plants!
Include Care Cards: Every plant should come with a care card or a QR code for easy access to online guides. This is especially helpful for new plant owners and adds a personal touch.
Offer Styling Tips: Suggest display ideas (like mini terrariums or wood holders) to inspire customers to buy accessories or return for new plants.

By following these merchandising tips, you’ll set yourself up for success with a dynamic and inviting air plant display that appeals to new and returning customers alike. Here’s to creating a beautiful, profitable air plant display in your retail space!