About
An evergreen epiphyte with stiff, silvery-grey to whitish, linear leaves. Cream flowers emerge from bright red bracts borne on long flower spikes in summer.
About the genus
Tillandsia are evergreen perennials, often epiphytic, forming rosettes of leathery, linear or strap-shaped leaves, and tubular or funnel-shaped flowers which may be 2-ranked in spikes with conspicuous bracts, or solitary and inconspicuous
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationPlants need no compost, they are wired or glued to a support. Grow under glass in bright but diffused light with good ventilation. From spring to autumn immerse in rainwater twice a week (more in hot, dry conditions), drain well and allow to dry. Can stand outdoors in summer to benefit from rain and increased light and humidity. See Air plants
PruningRemove rosettes that have died after flowering
PropagationPropagate from seed (see Air plants) or remove offsets once they are at least a third the size of the parent plant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free