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Tillandsia oerstediana

A bromeliad forming a rosette of grey-green leaves to 40cm across. In summer it produces a long-lasting flowerspike composed of waxy yellow bracts from which emerge tiny, tubular pink flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Tillandsia are evergreen perennials, often epiphytic, forming rosettes of leathery, linear or strap-shaped leaves, and tubular or funnel-shaped flowers which may be 2-ranked in spikes with conspicuous bracts, or solitary and inconspicuous

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Costa Rica to Panama

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of free-draining compost composed of equal parts of orchid compost, perlite and coir fibre. Position in bright, indirect light, with moderate to high humidity. From late spring to late summer water moderately and apply a balanced foliar feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter. See Air plants cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 27°C in spring, onto bundles of conifer twigs and sphagnum moss; mist daily. Detach offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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