In early summer, they produce, when mature, bright red or bright rose bloom spikes with bright blue flowers. The spike is first held upright but then droops as it lengthens. The actual flowers are not long-lived, lasting for about a day at best, before it starts wilting, but the colourful bracts remain attractive for up to 10 weeks.
- Scientific Name: Tillandsia stricta Solander
- Common Names: Strict Tillandsia, Tillys, Air Plant, Airplant, Erect Tillandsia, Upright Air Plant
- Synonyms: Anoplophytum strictum,Tillandsia rosea,Tillandsia conspersa, Anoplophytum bicolor,Anoplophytum krameri...
- Family: Bromeliaceae
- Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
- Subgenus: Anoplophytum
- Species: T. stricta
- Genus: Tillandsia
Origin:
Tillandsia stricta native to South America and Trinidad.
Hardiness:
Hardiness zone: 9a-11
Temperature in rest period – min 13°C max 16°C (55-61°F)
Temperature in active growth period – min 16°C max 24°C (61-75°F)
 |
| source pic: flickr.com |
How to Grow and Care
Air plants are incredibly easy to care for, but just like any living thing, you can’t just place them on display and forget about them. They can, and will, die if totally neglected- especially if you have a climate that deviates from its natural habitat. Otherwise, you don’t have to spend a lot of time with their overall health, which is time you can spend displaying them in various places throughout your home.
Whether you purchased the plants in a store or ordered online, you should always hydrate your vegetation to provide them the best start possible. Give them a good ‘soak’ for at least 15 minutes in a shallow bowl of water, and then remove and shake them out to remove any trapped water from between the leaves. Let them dry upside down before ‘planting’ them in various locations.
Sometimes you may see smaller, bottom leaves dried up and shriveled upon arrival. This is very normal, and you can gently remove these leaves if you see this. It will not hurt to leave them intact either.
HOW TO ‘PLANT’ THEM
Air plants are called such because you don’t have to plant them. In fact, you shouldn’t plant them since the moisture in the soil will create rot at the base of the plants. Air plants should be simply placed in displays such as wire vases, glass globes, wooden shelves, hanging bowls and weavings, or set on top or in your favorite existing centerpieces.
You might want to provide a rough surface, such as sand or rocks, for them to cling to if they put any roots out. Although their roots are not for nutrient or water uptake, they do help provide stability. Plus, it provides you a good substrate to balance them in so they don’t tip over easily...- Learn more at HOW TO GROW AND CARE Tillandsia
Links
Back to genus: Tillandsia
PLANTS:Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name,Genus,Family,USDA Hardiness Zone or Origin
