Description
About Tillandsia cacticola long form
Tillandsia cacticola earns its name honestly. In northern Peru it grows on cactus, clinging to the spined stems of desert columnar species where almost nothing else will establish.
The long form is the elongated selection. Rather than sitting as a compact rosette, it extends on a lengthening stem, with silver leaves spiralling outward as it grows.
The flower is the reason collectors chase this species. The spike branches widely and carries soft lavender and cream flowers above pale pink bracts, and the display is unusually long lasting.
We offer four sizes from 4 inches upward. Larger plants show the elongated habit properly, which is the whole point of the long form.
Growing Tillandsia cacticola long form: Care Guide
A plant that lives on cactus in Peruvian desert has clear preferences. Therefore give it light, air and restraint with water.
- Light: High light, including direct morning sun. Strong light keeps the silver bright and encourages flowering.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days. It is thoroughly drought adapted.
- Drying: Invert and shake. As the stem lengthens, water collects where the leaf bases wrap around it.
- Airflow: Strong airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 50°F to 100°F. It handles heat very well.
- Feeding: Feed monthly through spring and summer with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding improves the flower display noticeably.
- Mounting: No soil. Wire it to a branch or cork and let the stem extend naturally as it grows.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom and form along the stem. Separate at one third size, or let it build a chain.
See our Air Plant Care page, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more Peruvian species.
