Description
About Tillandsia edithae large green form
Tillandsia edithae produces one of the few genuinely red flowers in the Tillandsia genus. Most species flower in purple, blue, white or yellow, so a clear scarlet bloom makes this one stand out immediately.
This is the large green form. Where typical edithae is greyer and more compact, this selection grows bigger and carries a greener cast, which throws the red flower into sharper contrast.
The plant grows on rock in the dry Bolivian highlands, building thick recurved leaves along a short sprawling stem. It is stiff and substantial for its size, and it holds up well in handling.
Three sizes are offered from 2 inches to 6 inches. Larger plants are closer to flowering, which matters given that the flower is the whole point.
Growing Tillandsia edithae large green form: Care Guide
A rock-dwelling highland plant wants light and air above all. Therefore grow it hard and water sparingly.
- Light: Very high light, including direct sun. Strong light is what triggers flowering.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days. Thick leaves store water well.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Recurved leaves overlap and trap water where they cross.
- Airflow: Strong airflow after every soak.
- Temperature: Very cold tolerant, from 35°F to 90°F. Cool nights suit it well.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength. Feeding brings flowering forward.
- Mounting: No soil. Mount on rock or cork and let the sprawling stem run.
- Pups: Offsets form along the stem. Leave them attached to build a mat, or separate at one third size.
See our Air Plant Care page, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more Bolivian species.
