Scientific Name
Tillandsia kautskyi E.Pereira
Common Name(s)
Air Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
Genus: Tillandsia
Flower
Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Indeterminate
Description
Tillandsia kautskyi is an epiphytic bromeliad plant that grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall when flowering. Leaves are silver-gray, densely imbricate, generally curved, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long, and form a small sub-bulbous rosette. The plant has a pink inflorescence with pink, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most plants, the first step in growing Air Plant 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 endemic to Brazil.
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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