Scientific Name
Tillandsia fasciculata Sw.
Common Name(s)
Cardinal Airplant, Giant Airplant, Quill-leaf Airplant, Common Wild Pine, Clustered Wild Pine
Synonym(s)
Tillandsia fasciculata var. fasciculata, Platystachys glaucophylla, Platystachys havanensis, Tillandsia beutelspacheri, Tillandsia glaucophylla, Tillandsia havanensis, Tillandsia insignis, Tillandsia macrostachya, Tillandsia pungens, Vriesea glaucophylla
Scientific Classification
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
Genus: Tillandsia
Flower
Color: Creamy yellow, reddish, orange
Bloom Time: All year, especially spring to early summer
Description
Tillandsia fasciculata is a bromeliad, popular because of its large size and grey to grey-green leaves. The plant is stemless and forms a compound inflorescence with inconspicuous flowers in the axils of showy, creamy yellow, reddish, orange to yellow floral bracts and lilac petals. It often grows in clusters, with each one having stiff, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long leaves.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most plants, the first step in learning how to grow Air Plants is learning about their natural habitats. These plants are native to forests and mountains in Central and South America and the southern United States.
From late-summer to mid-spring, water your Air Plants by misting them daily. Unlike potted houseplants, you can't really over-water an Air Plant.
Keep in mind that these plants primarily come from warm and humid environments. Therefore, if you live in a dry climate or have forced air, you need to provide adequate humidity by regularly misting your Air Plants.
A bright, sunny window, alcove, or porch where the Air Plant gets some protection from the full sun is ideal for these plants. Remember, they grow in tree canopies and mountains where they get dabbled light and some shade. Too much direct sunlight will lead to your plant drying out or the leaves burning. Yes, plants can get sunburns just like we do.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Air Plants.
Origin
This species is native to Central America, Mexico, the West Indies, northern South America, and the southeastern United States.
Links
- Back to genus Tillandsia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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