Scientific Name:
Tillandsia
spp.
Pronunciation:
till-AND-see-uh
Common Name:
air plant
Family Name:
Bromeliaceae
Plant Type:
Indoor foliage plant
Key ID Features:
Over 500 species but most locally sold are small epiphytes with firm or leathery leaves (some species with soft leaves may appear similar to Vriesea or a Guzmania); flowers tubular, violet, blue, red, or pink.
Habit:
Epiphytic
Form:
Round
Texture:
Medium - fine
Mature Height:
0.2 - 0.4m
Mature Spread:
0.3 - 0.6m
Growth Rate:
Slow
Origin:
Central America, South America, U.S. - southwest
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 11: (above 4 °C)
Exposure:
Part sun/part shade
Soil/Growing Medium:
Water Use:
Low, Summer dry
Landscape Uses:
Indoor plant
Additional Info:
Google. Species shown include T. stricta, and T. xerographica. Compare to Wallisia cyanea (pink quill, syn. T. cyanea).
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Simple
Arrangement:
Basal
Texture/Venation:
Leathery
Surfaces:
Colour in Fall:
Green
Shapes:
Linear
Apices:
Acuminate
Bases:
Sheathing
Margins:
Entire
Inflorescence Type:
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Number Of Petals:
3
Corolla Shape:
Tubular
Ovary Position:
Inferior
Colour (petals):
Showy, Blue, Purple, Pink, Red
Flower Scent:
None
Flower Time at Peak:
May, Jun
Fruit Type:
Capsule
Fruit Colour:
Brown
Fruiting Time:
Additional Info:
Not showy
Bark or Stem Colour:
Pest Susceptibility:
(Drought tolerant)
