Description
About Tillandsia durangensis red form
Tillandsia durangensis red form is a selected colour form of a Mexican highland species named for the state of Durango. The red form is the one worth stocking, because the ordinary type stays plain grey.
The rosette is compact and symmetrical, built from narrow silver leaves that recurve gently as the plant matures. Trichome cover is even and dense across the whole plant.
What makes this form different is the colour response. Under strong light the leaf bases and inner rosette flush warm red and bronze. That colour deepens as the plant approaches bloom.
Plants ship around 6 to 8 inches wide. That is a useful mid-size, big enough to display alone but small enough to group.
Growing Tillandsia durangensis red form: Care Guide
The red colour is light-driven. Therefore the brighter you grow it, the better the plant you sell.
- Light: High light is essential. In shade this plant is simply a grey rosette, and you lose the reason you bought it.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days. Mexican highland species handle dry spells well.
- Drying: Invert and shake after soaking. The narrow leaf bases pack tightly and hold water against the stem.
- Airflow: Good airflow, especially where nights are humid.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 45°F to 95°F. Cool nights actually intensify the red.
- Feeding: Feed monthly in spring and summer with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: No soil. Mount on cork or wood, or grow loose in a bright open tray.
- Pups: Offsets come after bloom and cluster readily. Leave them attached for a fuller display.
For general guidance see our Air Plant Care page, and browse our Rare Air Plants for more Mexican species.
