Care of the plant Tillandsia imperialis or Air plant |
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The genus Tillandsia, family Bromeliaceae, comprises 600 species of epiphytic plants native to the American continent. Some species are: Tillandsia imperialis, Tillandsia fasciculata, Tillandsia cyanea, Tillandsia aeranthos, Tillandsia usneoides, Tillandsia australis, Tillandsia dyeriana, Tillandsia geminiflora. Common name: Air plant. This species is native to Mexico and Central America. They are epiphytic bromeliads that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height when they flower. The lanceolate leaves are arranged in a rosette and are green and purple. They produce showy erect inflorescences with red bracts and purple flowers. They bloom in the fall. Air plant is used as indoor and greenhouse plants with good ventilation. Frost-free regions is used on patios and terraces or hung on walls and trees. Tillandsia imperialis grows in filtered light and partial shade exposures receiving direct sun in the early hours of the day. The safety temperature is 8 ºC (46.4 ºF). The soil (if grown in a pot) can be a commercial substrate for bromeliads. Air plant can grow in cracks or hang from a tree attached to a piece of moss. In spring and summer, irrigate by sprinkling with lime-free water every 2 days (daily in summer). Reduce watering from autumn. Tillandsia imperialis resists drought and heat well. Fertilize once a month with foliar fertilizer in spring and summer. Prune dry leaves at any time. Air plant is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Tillandsia imperialis is propagated from spring sown seeds but it is not an easy process. |
Images of the plant Tillandsia imperialis or Air plant |
 Tillandsia imperialis  Tillandsia imperialis |