Description
About Tillandsia flexuosa vivipara
Tillandsia flexuosa vivipara is the northern-range form of Tillandsia flexuosa, a species that reaches from Florida and the Caribbean into northern South America. This form is viviparous: it grows pups along the bloom spike.
That spike is remarkable. It can reach 7 feet, and it carries plantlets along its length. Growers call it fun, and it is.
The leaves are banded silver and green, and they have some twist, though less than the southern forms. The base is bulbous. Plants run from 2-inch offsets to larges over 10 inches.
The flowers are pink, on red bracts, and they open over weeks. Then the pups follow.
We grade it in six sizes plus clumps of a mother with three pups. Clumps are not on a spike, so they ship compactly. This is the plant for a customer who wants to watch something happen.
Growing Tillandsia flexuosa vivipara: Care Guide
Flexuosa grows in coastal scrub and mangrove edges. It likes more moisture than a desert species, but the bulb must drain. Once a spike starts, do not cut it back. It will lengthen for months and set pups along the way, and the pups are the whole point. Give it headroom or let it trail from a hanger.
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun. Sun sharpens the banding.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake hard. The bulb holds water.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. It tolerates heat and humidity.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding supports the long spike.
- Mounting: Wire the base to a tall mount so the spike has room.
- Pups: Along the spike and at the base. Detach spike pups at 2 inches or leave the chain.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Rare Air Plants.
