Description
About Tillandsia aeranthos x araujei
Tillandsia aeranthos x araujei is a hybrid of two Brazilian species. Tillandsia aeranthos is the hardy, pink-and-blue flowered plant of southern Brazil, and Tillandsia araujei is a stem-forming species from the coastal rocks of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
The cross grows along a stem like araujei, with stiff, closely set leaves, and it carries the toughness of both parents. Under bright light the leaves take on a subtle purple blush.
The flowers combine the two species: pink bracts with pale to violet-blue petals on a short spike at the stem tip.
We grade it as mediums from 5 inches and larges from 8 inches, measured along the stem. It offsets from the base and along the stem, and older plants make a dense bundle.
At $2 this is a durable, good-looking plant for shops that want colour without fuss. It hangs well, it shrugs off cool weather, and it sells as a clump.
Growing Tillandsia aeranthos x araujei: Care Guide
Both parents grow on exposed rock in southern Brazil, where they get full sun, wind and sea air. The hybrid wants the same: the brightest light you can give it, quick drying and a soak every week or two. It tolerates cool nights and a touch of frost better than most air plants, which makes it a safe choice for an unheated porch or a cool shop. The stem holds water between the stacked leaves, so shake it well and hang it after each soak. More light means more purple, and plants in shade go plain green.
- Light: Full sun to very bright light. Sun brings the purple.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 14 days.
- Drying: Shake and hang. Stacked leaves hold water along the stem.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 35°F to 95°F. It tolerates brief light frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Wire the base and hang it, or glue it to wood.
- Pups: From the base and along the stem. Leave them on.
Browse more Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
