About
An evergreen epiphyte forming a rosette of long, thin, silvery-green leaves, to around 15cm in diameter. Spikes of lilac-violet flowers emerge from rose-pink bracts just above the foliage.
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
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
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
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 water 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 offsets that have died after flowering
PropagationPropagate from seed (see Air plants) or by separating once they are at least a third the size of the parent
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free