Description
About Tillandsia bulbosa Belize
Tillandsia bulbosa Belize is the giant form of Tillandsia bulbosa. The regular form is a small plant. This one gets huge; we have grown it to over 18 inches.
It has the same smooth, tentacle-like leaves and swollen hollow bulb as the species, only larger in every part. The bulb size varies from plant to plant, and older plants may carry a few marks from age.
The bloom is a red spike with violet flowers, and the leaves flush red around it. On a large plant the display is striking.
We grade it from 2-inch minis to 10-inch extra-larges and specimens. It is one of our favourite Tillandsias, and we have grown it for years.
For buyers who know bulbosa as a small terrarium plant, the Belize form is a surprise. It gives the same twisting shape at centrepiece size, and it commands a centrepiece price.
Growing Tillandsia bulbosa Belize: Care Guide
Like all bulbosa it has few trichomes, so it wants more water than a silver plant, but the bulb must never sit full. Weekly soaks, a hard shake and good airflow keep it growing toward that 18-inch mark.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Morning sun brings the red flush.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake hard. Keep upside down until the bulb is empty.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding supports the size.
- Mounting: Wire the bulb to a solid mount. Large plants are top heavy.
- Pups: One to three pups from the base after bloom.
Browse more Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
