About
An evergreen, epiphytic perennial to 50cm tall. The tubular, purple flowers, up to 4cm long, emerge in the spring and summer on flowering stems up to 25cm long. Rosettes of sword-shaped, pale green to grey-green leaves take on a red tint as the plant starts to flower.
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
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
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, Honduras, Guatemala
Care notes
CultivationPlants need no compost; they are glued or wired 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 outside in summer to benefit from rain, additional light and humidity. See Air plants cultivation
PruningRemove individual rosettes that have died after flowering
PropagationPropagate from seed (see Air plants) or by separating offsets once they are at least a third the size of the parent
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free