About
Its linear, arching incurved leaves, to 6cm long, are grey-silver to green in colour with the inner leaves turning red when the plant is flowering. An evergreen, epiphytic perennial to 12cm tall and wide. Tubular, violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens emerge from narrow white bracts in spring and 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
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitSpreading branched
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 & C America
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 outside in summer to benefit from rain and additional light and humidity. See Air plants cultivation
PruningRemove rosettes that have died after flowering
PropagationPropagate from seed (see Air plants) or by removing 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