Description
About Tillandsia bulbosa
Tillandsia bulbosa is a smooth-leaved species from Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. Tentacle-like leaves twist out of a hollow, swollen bulb.
The leaves are dark green and nearly free of trichomes, so the plant looks glossy rather than silver. That also means it needs more water than most air plants.
The bloom is a red spike with violet flowers, and the upper leaves flush red around it. Bloomed-out plants are sold at a discount and will pup.
We grade bulbosa from 1-inch minis to 5-inch larges, plus extra-larges, specimens and clumps. Medium plants with tendril leaves and larges with leaf marks are separate grades.
Bulbosa is the classic terrarium and shell plant. The shape is unmistakable, it is inexpensive, and it tolerates the humidity of enclosed displays better than silver species. Our Belize form is the giant version.
Growing Tillandsia bulbosa: Care Guide
Bulbosa prefers more water than a silver plant, because it has fewer trichomes to catch moisture. But the hollow bulb rots if water sits in it, so every soak must end with a hard shake. Water more, drain harder. Bloomed-out sale plants are still healthy; they will not flower again, but they will pup, and the pups are the same plant at a fraction of the price.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid hot direct sun.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 days. Mist between soaks.
- Drying: Invert and shake hard. Drain the bulb completely.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue the bulb into a shell or onto wood. Never bury the base.
- Pups: One to three pups from the base after bloom.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Air Plants.
