If you like air plants, you surely know the Tillandsias. These are plants that do not need to be planted and survive thanks to the humidity in the air. But within this genus there are many, and today we want to tell you about the Tillandsia streptophylla.
It is one of most striking species for their twisted leaves. But what else can you expect from this plant? Get to know her in depth in this tab.
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How is Tillandsia streptophylla?
Tillandsia streptophylla is an epiphytic plant. It belongs to the genus Tillandsia, which in turn belongs to the Bromeliaceae family.
He is considered a aerial plant because it does not need to be planted in pots to survive but that itself can develop properly without it. Therefore, it can be placed in any corner of the house, with more or less light.
The most characteristic of this plant are its leaves. These can be between 17 and 37 centimeters long, but they tend to wrap around themselves, like waves or curls in some cases. These have a triangular shape, being wider at the birth which connects them to the “stem” and narrower as they lengthen. Moreover, they are silver.
The main reason leaves do this is because of the large amount of trichomes in it, which causes this curvature. Indeed, when there is a lot of drought, the plant tends to be much curlier and will even form very showy tight curls. Although you have to be careful because you may suffer and not move forward later.
Another important part of Tillandsia streptophylla is its flowers. It has a spectacular flowering and those who see it are amazed.. The central flower stalk itself is already beautiful because it is usually red, pink or even light green. In this, pink bracts develop and from them you will have tubular flowers that tend to pinkish-violet. The fruits may emerge from the flowers themselves, which are small capsules about 3.5 centimeters high.
It is native to America and its natural habitat is characterized by deciduous forests or savannahs, always at a maximum altitude of 1,200 meters. It is usually seen in Mexico, the West Indies or Nicaragua. But you can also have it in Spain and other countries because it adapts quite well.
Care of Tillandsia streptophylla
After learning a little more about Tillandsia streptophylla, you should know what the most important care for this air plant is. And in this case the needs you have are the following:
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Although it is a plant that does not need the sun to growsome indirect light should be provided, especially if you want it to flourish.
Thus, in summer you can place it in a semi-shaded place while in winter, indirect light would be preferable.
It must be said that it is an indoor plant, although that does not mean that you cannot have it outside. If you protect it (for example, in a greenhouse).
Temperature
Tillandsia streptophylla, like all tillandsias in general, These are plants that tolerate temperatures very well. On the one hand, it can reach 40 degrees and be very good (it’s not recommended, but you know it can withstand high temperatures).
On the other hand, the cold supports it, but it is better to protect it and especially to avoid the frosts which do not take them well at all.
Irrigation
Irrigation of tillandsias is completely different from that of other plants. To begin with because these do not have a pot to water, but are “in the air”. For it, When watering them, this is always done by spraying the water. Now how much? How? With what?
Tillandsia streptophylla needs a minimum of weekly watering, both in winter and in summer. However, if it is summer and very hot, it is best to water 2-3 times a week.
This irrigation must be done by spraying. A sprayer should always be used, although in some cases it is recommended to fill a container (or the sink) and pour it for a few minutes so that it absorbs the water well, then let it drain . is another option.
Finally, the type to use it must be soft, low mineral content, reverse osmosis, distilled water, rainwater... Water with chlorine or lime (from the tap) is not recommended.
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Every 15-30 days it is convenient to fertilize the air plant. This is also done by spraying. The best, and the one we can recommend, is the fertilizer for orchids. Of course always throw it in half that the manufacturer advises for your dose. For example, it tells you 10ml per liter of water, you add 5ml for Tillandsia streptophylla.
Plagues and diseases
Although they do not usually affect air plants, one should be careful, for example, of the red spider mite which appears when there is drought (and which is eliminated by increasing the humidity).
As for diseases, these may be due to poor irrigation (use of unsuitable water), poor exposure to light (more or less light than necessary) or lack of subscriber.
Mushrooms, mites or scale insects may also appear. To solve it, you can try a bonsai product which is usually good enough for these plants.
the reproduction
Reproduction of tillandsias can only be done if you can see them blooming. If you do, not only will you be amazed at the flowers it has, but it’s common for the plant to produce suckers after it. These are identical copies of your plant.
combinations leave them as long as you can with her so that later you have a better chance of moving forward. We could say that, if they come out in spring-summer, they should not be separated until the following spring and always being very careful not to damage the offspring as well as the mother herself.
As you can see, Tillandsia streptophylla is one of the most popular air plants for its design and the way it grows. Being so easy to maintain and not taking up much space as it has no pot, it will be very decorative wherever you want to put it. Did you know this plant? Do you dare to have some at home?