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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Tillandsia punctulata

Mexican black torch

An evergreen epiphyte with arching, narrow and tapering green leaves that are often darker towards their base. Tubular, deep purple flowers with white tips emerge from reddish-orange bracts 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
Summer Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Plants need no compost; they are glued or wired 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 outside in summer to benefit from rain, additional light and humidity. See Air plants for more

Propagation

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

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

Remove individual rosettes that have died after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.