About
Flower spikes, up to 40cm tall, bear tubular red-purple flowers which emerge from green bracts. An evergreen, epiphytic perennial ultimately reaching a height and spread of up to 90cm. The light green, silvery-grey, recurving leaves are wide at the base and taper to a point forming a tight rosette.
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
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 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 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 for more
PruningNo pruning required
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