Description
About Tillandsia glabrior
Tillandsia glabrior is a small Mexican species and a close relative of schiedeana. It has the same narrow grey leaves, but they are shorter and stiffer, so the plant is more compact.
The flower is the difference. Schiedeana opens yellow. Glabrior opens vibrant ruby red, on a short spike, and the contrast with the grey leaves is sharp.
It clumps easily. Smalls are 1 to 2 inches, larges are 5 to 6 inches wide, and clumps run from two plants to six or more.
At under a dollar a plant, it is one of the cheapest species we grow. That price plus the red flower makes it a strong volume plant for terrarium kits and bulk displays.
Because it stays small and stiff, it also ships and handles well. Losses in transit are rare, and plants settle in quickly.
Growing Tillandsia glabrior: Care Guide
Glabrior grows in dry Mexican oak and pine forest. It is a xeric plant that likes sun, and it forgives missed waterings far better than it forgives wet feet. The stiff leaves shed water quickly, so drying is easy. Because it is so cheap and so tough, glabrior is also a good plant for teaching new staff: nothing they do short of drowning it will kill it.
- Light: Bright light with direct sun for part of the day.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Dense clumps need a thorough shake.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. Cool nights are fine.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue to wood, cork or shells. Clumps look best on a small slab.
- Pups: Constant. Sell clumps whole or divide when crowded.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
