Description
About Tillandsia disticha v. petrea
Tillandsia disticha is named for how it arranges its leaves. They emerge in two opposite ranks along the plant rather than spiralling around it, which gives the species a flattened, fan-like profile unusual in the genus.
This is variety petrea, the rock-dwelling form. The varietal name means growing among stones, and it points to a tougher, more compact plant than the typical tree-dwelling disticha.
A swollen base anchors the plant, with silver-grey leaves narrowing to fine points. The two-ranked habit is most obvious when the plant is viewed edge on.
Plants ship at 4 to 6 inches. Disticha comes from Ecuador and northern Peru, and the petrea form handles bright exposure better than the species as a whole.
Growing Tillandsia disticha v. petrea: Care Guide
A rock-dwelling form with a swollen base. Therefore give it strong light and drain it properly.
- Light: High light, including direct morning sun. The petrea form takes more exposure than typical disticha.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The swollen base traps water, so drain it every time.
- Airflow: Strong airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 55°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly through the growing season with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: No soil. Mount on rock or cork, and set it so the flattened profile faces the viewer.
- Pups: Offsets form at the base after bloom. Separate at one third size, or leave them to cluster.
See our Air Plant Care page, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more Ecuadorian species.
