how many species of tillandsia are there

Full Answer

What are the different types of Tillandsia?

Some common types of Tillandsia include air plant, ball moss (T. recurvata) and Spanish moss, the latter referring to T. usneoides in particular. The genus contains around 650 species, where 635 are considered epiphytic are traditionally divided into seven subgenera:

How many pups does a Tillandsia have?

Tillandsia grow to maturity, bloom, and then die. Before, during, or shortly after blooming, the air plant produces offsets, known as pups. It’s typical for them to produce between two and eight pups. ( 1) Tillandsia only bloom once in their lifetime, but each pup means Tillandsia get another chance to grow and bloom.

Is Tillandsia an air plant?

Tillandsia are a member of the bromeliad family, and in the Tillandsia genus, there are hundreds of different species. This plant has extremely small roots that it uses to attach itself to branches of trees and shrubs. It doesn't need to grow in the ground, and so it earned the name, 'air plant.’ (2) (3)

How big do Tillandsia plants get?

USDA Growing Zones: 9–11 Height: Up to 3 feet Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light Instead of a rosette of slender leaves, Tillandsia flabellata grows tall and vase-shaped, with a spray of red flower spikes sometimes described as a candelabra. As air plants go, the flabellata is quite large, growing up to 12 inches high.

How many types of Tillandsia are there?

Pink quillSpanish mossSky plantTillandsia strictaTillandsia aeranthosTillandsia streptophyl...Tillandsia/Lower classifications

What is the largest Tillandsia species?

Considered the king of all air plants, Tillandsia xerographica is one of the largest air plants that can grow up to 60 cm in width! It possesses stunning silvery-green leaves that taper outwards either forming an almost symmetrical rosette or spiralled into a wildly unique form.

What is the longest living air plant?

xerographicaxerographica is one of the largest, sturdiest, longest living air plants.

What is the most common air plant?

Tillandsia brachycaulosThe Tillandsia brachycaulos is one of the most common air plants and readily hybridizes with other varieties. It is found in numerous climates and is very adaptable to different conditions which makes it a perfect beginner air plant.

What is the lifespan of Tillandsia?

Tillandsias, commonly known as air plants, are perennial plants. This means that they typically live for more than two years (source), with their lifespan ranging between 2 to 5 years. However, their lifespan varies depending on the type of air plant and also the growing conditions.

What is the most beautiful air plant?

1. Tillandsia ionantha. Commonly known as the sky plant, it's one of the most popular air plant varieties. It bears bright blooms during the last living days, with glossy greenish-silver foliage enhancing its beauty.

Are there purple air plants?

Tillandsia Aeranthos Purple is a gorgeous air plant with a deep purple hue year-round when exposed to continuous bright light. The unique plant produces beautiful purple-pink flowers when it's blooming.

What is the easiest air plant to grow?

Best air plants for beginners with minimal careTillandsia harrisii.Tillandsia caput-medusae.Tillandsia ionantha.Tillandsia fuchsii.Tillandsia tectorum.Tillandsia streptophylla.Tillandsia aeranthos.Tillandsia capitata.More items...

Will air plants eventually get large?

If given proper care, they will grow and eventually bloom, it just takes some time! While there are some faster growing species, as a whole, Tillandsia grow very slowly, which makes it that much more special when you have a large specimen plant to display!

What is the hardiest air plant?

Aeranthos air plants are a very hardy variety with stiff leaves and are perfect for beginning air plant enthusiasts and veteran Tillandsia collectors alike. These medium sized air plants will blush a light purple and bloom bright pink blooms.

Which air plants should not be soaked?

Air plants with wispy leaves, such as the T. fuchsii v gracilis and T. andreana, should not be soaked. These plants do better with quick dunks or misting.

Can I use tap water for air plants?

Air plants aren't too picky when it comes to water, and most tap water is just fine, but it depends on the water quality in your area. The best water to use: rain water, aquarium water, or pond water because these are more rich in nutrients (note: if using one of these waters, don't add any additional fertilizer).

How big does Tillandsia get?

Some species can be as tiny as 2 inches, while others can grow up to 7 feet in the wild! After a tillandsia blooms, it stops its growth and diverts its energy to producing pups or offsets to take over and start the new growth cycle.

How big can a Airplant get?

two inches to seven feetAir plant varieties range in size from two inches to seven feet. The varieties that are frequently found in stores are typically two to five inches in size. There are varieties that bloom flowers but this usually signals that the plant is near the end of its life cycle.

How big does Tillandsia Ionantha get?

6 in. tallSky plant (Tillandsia ionantha) is one of the most popular and eye-catching air plant species, but there are over 500 different types of Tillandsia in total....How to Grow Sky Plant.Botanical NameTillandsia ionanthaCommon NameSky plantPlant TypePerennial, succulentMature SizeUp to 6 in. tallSun ExposurePartial6 more rows•Jul 5, 2021

How big can a Xerographica get?

three feetTillandsia Xerographica [pronounced: zero-grafika] is a truly stunning plant. Its leaves are thick, silvery-white, and often take on beautiful curls depending on the humidity in the environment. It can live upwards of 20 years and grow up to three feet in diameter before send a large orange bloom spike.

What is the color of the leaves on a ionantha plant?

Leaves are silvery grayish-green, turning red towards the center before the plant blooms in late spring. Depending on the variety, blooms may be purple, red, blue or white.

What is a cyanea plant?

T. cyanea – This widely cultivated air plant displays loose rosettes of arching, dark green, triangle-shaped leaves, often with a stripe near the base. The spiky blooms are purple and vivid pink to dark blue.

What are some examples of Tillandsia?

Instead, they survive by absorbing nutrients from the air, from composted material on the host plant, and from the rain. Examples of well-known epiphytes include various mosses, ferns, lichens and orchids.

What are some examples of epiphytes?

Examples of well-known epiphytes include various mosses, ferns, lichens and orchids. Tillandsia air plants range in size from less than an inch to more than 15 feet. Although the leaves are often green, they may be red, yellow, purple, or pink. Many species are fragrant.

How many different types of Tillandsia are there?

Although estimates vary, most agree there are at least 450 different types of tillandsia, not to mention countless hybrid varieties, and no two air plant varieties are exactly the same.

What is Purpurea's color?

Purpurea is appropriately named for the bright, reddish-purple blooms, notable for their mild, cinnamon-like aroma. The leaves, which reach up to 12 in long, grow in a spiral fashion. The stiff leaves are a lovely shade of purple-tinted mauve. Printer Friendly Version.

Where is the Aeranthos plant native to?

T. aeranthos – This species is native to Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Aeranthos is a popular air plant with scaly, silver-blue leaves with dark blue blooms emerging from dark pink bracts. It is available in several forms, including a number of hybrids.

Does a Tillandsia Need Any Nutrients?

You can use a bromeliad fertilizer once every fortnight, as this will help your plant to bloom and reproduce. You can use other water-soluble fertilizers but dilute them to one-quarter strength.

How big does Tillandsia aeranthos bergeri get?

Tillandsia aeranthos bergeri: Produces gorgeous pink and purple flowers every spring and can grow to between 6 and 9 inches tall. Tillandsia ionantha (Fuego): This air plant grows no bigger than 2 inches tall, but makes up for this with vibrant colors.

How to grow Tillandsia?

If you purchase your plant online, here are some tips when you receive it: 1 Remove it from the packaging immediately. 2 Soak for 30 minutes to one hour, submerged upside down. 3 Shake to remove excess water. 4 Place in a bright light and allow it to dry. 5 Don't fertilize your Tillandsia for around three weeks.

What is a pink quill?

Tillandsia cyanea (Pink Quill): Produces a distinct pink feather-like flower and is one of the few Tillandsias that can grow in soil.

Why are my Tillandsia leaves turning brown?

Don't expose it to direct sunlight for more than 20 minutes at a time. Brown spots on the leaves are a sign that your Tillandsia is getting too much direct sunlight.

How many pups does Tillandsia have?

Before, during, or shortly after blooming, the air plant produces offsets, known as pups. It’s typical for them to produce between two and eight pups. ( 1)

What is the name of the plant that attaches itself to branches?

Tillandsia are a member of the bromeliad family, and in the Tillandsia genus, there are hundreds of different species. This plant has extremely small roots that it uses to attach itself to branches of trees and shrubs. It doesn't need to grow in the ground, and so it earned the name, 'air plant.’. ( 2 ) ( 3)

What is the name of the giant air plant?

Also known as the giant air plant, Tillandsia Fasciculata commands attention with its striking form and large scale. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite varieties… [plant below from Cactus Jungle]

What is the pink flower on an air plant?

If you prefer a big dose of pink when it comes to air plant blooms, check out Tillandsia Tenuifolia, which boasts hot pink spikes and flowers ranging from white to purple as it blossoms. [air plant below from Etsy shop Plant Oddities]

What is the name of the air plant that has fuzzy leaves?

Tillandsia Seleriana. Other types of air plants with a sculptural form is the species Tillandsia Seleriana, which is known for its fuzzy exterior. Upward-reaching leaves make it a natural fit for modern containers. [Seleriana below from Etsy shop Spyloh] View in gallery.

What color are Fasciculata tricolor leaves?

Not only does Fasciculata Tricolor feature strong, spiky green leaves, it boasts a large yellow and orange bloom that’s hard not to love. The look is lush and tropical. [photo from PlantaBrutt]

What is the color of Ionantha Guatemala?

Ionantha Guatemala is known for its spiky leaves, as well as its vibrant red center. Beginning its life as an all-over green plant, it develops light red or pinkish coloring as time goes on. [photos below from Air Plant Design Studio]

How big is Bulbosa Belize?

Bulbosa Belize will grow larger than Bulbosa Guatemala, spanning a width and height of up to 10 inches. With arms that reach more upward than outward, Bulbosa Guatemala is as stately as it is sculptural. [photo from Air Plant Design Studio]

What is a Bulbosa Guatemala?

Bulbosa Guatemala has a distinct form , with reaching arms that give it the appearance of a mysterious sea creature or an alien plant! A sea urchin is a popular display “container” for this interesting variety. [photo from Air Plant Design Center]

How big do Tillandsia circinata plants get?

Circinata plants will flower in either yellow or purple and grow to 6–8 inches in height, although they're only about 1 inch across at their base.

Why are my brachycaulos leaves red?

The leaves of the brachycaulos air plant (Tillandsia brachycaulos) fan outward from a central growing point, and the plant turns red as it gets ready to bloom. You may even find plants with leaves that have been dyed red to give the appearance of flowering.

What is an air plant?

The term "air plant" refers to any of roughly 500 different species of flowering perennial plants in the Tillandsia genus, part of the Bromeliad family. They require no soil for their roots. Instead, they extract moisture from the air. Plants of this type are known as epiphytes, including Spanish moss.

What color are Druid leaves?

Unlike the red leaves of the species Tillandsia ionantha, the leaves of the 'Druid' cultivar turn a peachy-pink tone, and the flowers are white . This plant is usually quite tiny, but it's eye-catching nonetheless.

How big do Fuego plants grow?

The leaves retain their bright color for months. They're small plants, growing only about 1 inch high, but they do fill out quickly. This air plant type could be a focal point in your collection or a conversation starter on your tabletop.

What are air plants called?

Instead, they're simply lumped together as "air plants" or "sky plants. ". Or they may be sold simply by species name. Regardless of what you call them, here are 25 air plant types to consider for indoor growing.

Why is the sage plant so popular?

Dozens of cultivars are available, but the primary species is very popular, partly because it's extremely hardy and difficult to kill. The plant is quite attractive, too, with layers of silvery-green leaves that deepen into shades of red and pink as they grow and extend.

What to do with a tillandsia plant?

Soaking your tillandsia air plant is a great way to quench its thirst.

How often do Tillandsia air plants bloom?

Tillandsia air plants bloom only once in their lives.

How do Tillandsia get the nutrients they need?

Then, how do Tillandsia get the nutrients they need? Most plants absorb these from the soil, but Tillandsia is specially adapted to get moisture and nutrients from the air surrounding it and the surface on which it grows. Most often, in the wild, this includes tree bark and leaf debris.

How long have Tillandsia plants been around?

Tillandsia plants have been around for hundreds of years.

How many different types of Tillandsia are there?

Remember how there are more than 600 different types of Tillandsia? It can be challenging to tell them apart, especially when it comes to domestic varieties readily available for purchase at nurseries and houseplant suppliers.

What is the best light for Tillandsia?

Indirect sunlight is ideal for your tillandsia air plant.

What is an air plant?

Don’t let that reputation fool you: air plants are a somewhat laid-back plant that heightens any environment. But they require specific care to reach their full potential.

Overview

As of October 2022 , Plants of the World Online accepted about 660 species and hybrids in the genus Tillandsia.

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