Description
About Tillandsia fuchsii gracilis
Tillandsia fuchsii var. gracilis is the common form of Tillandsia fuchsii, a Mexican species. Dozens of thin, needle-like leaves radiate from a small bulb, and the plant looks like a green sea urchin.
The leaves are soft and hairy, not prickly. The bloom is a long slender spike with purple flowers and yellow stamens, and it is out of proportion to the tiny plant.
Plants vary in size. Smalls are 1 inch, and extra-larges are 3 inches. Current stock is on the smaller side and less mature than the photos.
We sell singles and small clumps with two to four pups, with or without hanging wire.
Gracilis is a kit and terrarium staple. The shape is instantly recognisable, the price is 35 cents, and it fits in a shell. Our var. fuchsii is the larger, thicker-leaved form.
Growing Tillandsia fuchsii gracilis: Care Guide
Fine leaves dry fast, but the bulb traps water. Treat every soak as a drying job first: soak briefly, invert, shake, and hang. Given that, gracilis is easy and tolerates the dry air of a shop well. Plants ship on the small side at present; give them a bright, airy spot and a monthly feed and they mature into full urchins within a season.
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun.
- Water: Soak 15 minutes every 10 to 14 days. Mist if the tips dry.
- Drying: Invert and shake hard. Water in the bulb rots it.
- Airflow: Strong airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue the bulb to wood or set it in a shell. Never bury the base.
- Pups: One to four pups after bloom.
Browse more Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
