Description
About Tillandsia chiapensis giant form multi bract
Tillandsia chiapensis comes from Chiapas in southern Mexico, and this is the giant multi bract selection. Two things separate it from the ordinary type: it grows substantially larger, and it produces a branched flower spike instead of a single one.
That branching is the commercial point. Where standard chiapensis throws one pink bract, this form throws several from a single plant, so the display is wider and lasts longer.
The foliage is thick, stiff and heavily silvered, forming a symmetrical rosette with leaves that taper to fine recurving tips. Trichome cover is dense enough to read almost white in strong light.
We offer four sizes from a 4 inch mini upward. The larger grades are the ones that show the multi bract habit, since branching develops with maturity.
Growing Tillandsia chiapensis giant form multi bract: Care Guide
Thick leaves and heavy scaling mean a plant built for dry heat. Therefore grow it bright and water it sparingly.
- Light: Very high light. Strong light drives the bract colour and the branching you are paying for.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days. Thick leaves store water well.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The broad leaf bases cup water against the centre.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 55°F to 100°F. It handles real heat easily.
- Feeding: Feed monthly in spring and summer with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength. Well-fed plants branch more heavily.
- Mounting: No soil. Larger grades are heavy enough to want wire rather than glue.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom. Separate at one third the size of the mother, or leave them to cluster.
Our Air Plant Care page covers the basics, and more Mexican species sit in our Rare Air Plants.
