Description
About Tillandsia bulbosa ‘Belize’ x ionantha vanhyningii
Tillandsia bulbosa ‘Belize’ x ionantha vanhyningii pairs two very different plants. Bulbosa ‘Belize’ is the large form of bulbosa, with a fat hollow base and long snaking leaves. Ionantha vanhyningii is the caulescent ionantha, growing on an elongated stem rather than as a flat rosette.
The hybrid inherits both habits. It builds a bulbous base and then extends upward on a short stem, with leaves that twist outward and curl at the tips.
Colour is the payoff. Vanhyningii brings the ionantha blush, so as bloom approaches the upper leaves flush hard red against green foliage.
We offer small plants at 4 to 5 inches and medium at 8 inches and up. The medium size shows the stem habit properly.
Growing Tillandsia bulbosa ‘Belize’ x ionantha vanhyningii: Care Guide
Bulbosa is a green, thin-trichomed forest plant rather than a silver desert one. Therefore this hybrid drinks more than most of our bulbous stock.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Some morning sun improves the blush, but harsh afternoon sun burns the green leaves.
- Water: Soak 20 to 30 minutes every 5 to 7 days. Mesic parentage means it dries out faster than a silver plant.
- Drying: Still critical. The hollow base fills with water, so invert and shake every single time.
- Airflow: Good airflow, though it tolerates humidity better than any silver species.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 60°F to 95°F. It dislikes cold more than the xeric plants do.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength. Feeding strengthens the red flush at bloom.
- Mounting: No soil. Mount at an angle on wood so the bulb can drain freely.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom and come freely. Separate at one third size, or leave them to cluster.
See our Air Plant Care page for guidance, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more bulbous crosses.
