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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Tillandsia albertiana

Albert's air plant

An evergreen, epiphytic perennial to around 10cm tall. Slender, grey-green leaves are up to 12cm long and arrangedin two vertical ranks on either side of the stem forming a flat-leafed rosette. Single, bright red flowers with three petals are borne in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
Argentina

How to grow

Cultivation

Plants need no compost, they are wired or glued to a support. Grow under glass in bright but diffused light with good ventilation. From spring to autumn immerse in rainwater twice a week (more in hot, dry conditions) drain well and allow to dry. Can stand outdoors in summer to benefit from rain and increased light and humidity. See Air plants cultivation

Propagation

Propagate from seed (see Air plants) or by separating offsets once they are at least a third as large as the parent

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
Pruning

Remove rosettes that have died after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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