Scientific Name
Tillandsia stricta Sol. ex Ker Gawl.
Common Names
Upright Air Plant, Air Plant, Strict Tillandsia, Erect Tillandsia
Synonym(s)
Tillandsia stricta var. stricta, Anoplophytum bicolor, Anoplophytum krameri, Anoplophytum strictum, Tillandsia conspersa, Tillandsia krameri, Tillandsia langsdorffii, Tillandsia pulchella var. rosea, Tillandsia rosea
Scientific Classification
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
Genus: Tillandsia
Flower
Color: Bright red or bright rose
Bloom Time: Early summer
Description
Tillandsia stricta is an evergreen clump-forming perennial with leaves arranged into thick, short-stemmed rosettes that grow epiphytically. It is a medium-sized species that grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Leaves are recurved and covered with frost-like scales, lanceolate, pointed, longer than the scape, and grow a bright red or bright rose spike with bright blue flowers.
The spike is first held upright but then droops as it lengthens.
How to Grow and Care
Like most plants, the first step in learning how to grow an Air Plant is to learn about its 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 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 will 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
Tillandsia stricta is native to South America and Trinidad.
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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