Description
About Tillandsia capitata red Coral
Tillandsia capitata red Coral is the selection that gave the species its reputation. As bloom approaches the plant turns a saturated coral red, warmer and pinker than the flat scarlet of most colouring Tillandsias.
It is more compact than the large yellow form, staying around 4 to 6 inches. That tighter build concentrates the colour, so a small plant carries as much visual weight as a much larger green one.
Leaves are thick, silver-grey and gently recurving, packed into a dense symmetrical rosette. The heavy trichome coat means the coral develops as a glow under the silver rather than a flat wash.
Two grades are offered. At this price it is one of the most reliable colour plants in the catalog, and it moves quickly at retail once it starts to turn.
Growing Tillandsia capitata red Coral: Care Guide
The coral colour is entirely light-driven. Therefore the brighter you grow it, the better it sells.
- Light: Very high light, including direct morning sun. In shade this is simply a grey plant.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days. Thick leaves make it drought tolerant.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The compact centre traps water more readily than an open rosette.
- Airflow: Good airflow after watering.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 55°F to 100°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength. Well-fed plants colour deeper and hold it longer.
- Mounting: No soil. Cork, wood or loose in a bowl all work at this size.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom and inherit the colouring. Separate at one third size.
See our Air Plant Care page, or find the yellow large form in our Rare Air Plants.
