Contents
tillandsia
This plant belongs to the Bromeliaceae family (to be clear, it belongs to the same family as the pineapple) which includes around 450 different plant species. We are talking about epiphytic plants (like orchids for example) and therefore they grow on other plants or on supports similar to pieces of wood. These plants are of American origin, particularly from regions that range from Mexico to Argentina. Tallindsia are incredibly beautiful plants, and growing them is not at all difficult and complicated, in fact, they do not require special care. They are plants that do not need soil or water to live, they are plants without roots and they are perfect for those who do not have much space to place them or for those who forget to pay particular attention to plants.
As one can see
As mentioned above, this family includes about 450 different species. It would be difficult to report the description of each species given the great variety, but we can say that the differences are at the level of the leaves and the flowers. Depending on the species, the leaves can be spiny or spineless, they can be lanceolate, toothed or linear. In some species, the leaflets are rosette-shaped to widen the bases and form a kind of cup in which they naturally collect rainwater. In this small “cup” plant and animal residues accumulate and then, with decomposition, are ingested by the plant. They are very similar in structure and function to all carnivorous plants. As for the flowers, these form in the axils of the bracts and join in an inflorescence. The colors are diverse and the shape and size vary from species to species. Unfortunately, those flowers that do form don’t last long but one thing they keep for a few weeks is their color. The resulting fruit is a capsule containing three winged seeds inside.
Cultivated
Tillandsia are suitable plants for everyone because they do not require special care and attention. They do not like to be exposed to direct sunlight because their leaves may burn. They grow quietly even at high temperatures above 27°C, in winter it is advisable to place them in places where temperatures do not drop below 10°C. They don’t need to grow in places with lots of light but they also like areas of partial shade. When the temperatures are not very low, it is advisable to place the plants in open places because they need air. As for irrigation, for the species that have the well in the center of the rosette, it suffices to fill it and empty it every month to renew the water. For plants grown in pots, the soil must always be kept moist, taking care not to create water stagnations harmful to the plant. For seedlings with a rosette of leaves, it is advisable to direct a stream of water upwards so that the water runs off the leaves. These types of plants grow in humid environments, so it is advisable to water them twice a day. One thing to pay attention to is the water used for irrigation, Tillandsia do not like the formation of limestone and therefore it is advisable to use demineralized water and rainwater. These types of plants grow in humid environments, so it is advisable to water them twice a day. One thing to pay attention to is the water used for irrigation, Tillandsia do not like the formation of limestone and therefore it is advisable to use demineralized water and rainwater. These types of plants grow in humid environments, so it is advisable to water them twice a day. One thing to pay attention to is the water used for irrigation, Tillandsia do not like the formation of limestone and therefore it is advisable to use demineralized water and rainwater.
It is not possible to establish a precise flowering period, it varies from one species to another. Typically, these plants bloom in late summer and fall. After producing the flower, the rosette of leaves dies and indeed, when we notice that the leaves begin to have brown spots, we must divide the plant. These types of plants do not need real pruning, the important thing is to remove already dried leaves or damaged parts of the plant. You should know that the tool used to make the cuts must be cleaned and disinfected with a flame each time it is used. In this way we will avoid damaging the seedling by causing infections or parasitic diseases. Tillansdia multiplies by dividing the plant. In spring, rosettes of leaves break off from the base of the plant, trying to take part in the roots as well. The cut shoots are lifted like a normal adult plant and fixed to supports with quick-setting glue. To help the seedling develop better, we can give it some fertilizer. Fertilizations will be carried out twice a month in spring and summer. The fertilizer should be administered by diluting it in the water used for irrigation. The amounts to be administered are usually indicated on the packaging, but the advice is to administer a lower amount than that indicated by the manufacturers. The fertilizer to be used is a liquid fertilizer balanced in Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus (20:20: 20) and which also contains trace elements such as Magnesium, Manganese; Zinc, Iron, Copper, Boron and Molybdenum.