Description
About Tillandsia ixioides
Tillandsia ixioides is a stiff-leaved Tillandsia from Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and southern Brazil. The leaves are pointed, rigid and silver-grey, and they radiate from a compact base.
The flowers are bright yellow, which few species offer, and they open from a short spike with green bracts. Bloom comes readily on mature plants.
It is hardy in full sun. In fact it colours and blooms best with direct light, and it tolerates conditions that would scorch softer species.
Over time ixioides forms a symmetrical cluster. Singles are 3 to 4 inches, and we grade them from small to extra large. Our dwarf fragrant ixioides is a separate listing.
For growers with outdoor or greenhouse sales, it is a reliable, tough plant with an unusual flower colour. It also handles shipping well because the leaves are so rigid.
Growing Tillandsia ixioides: Care Guide
Ixioides grows in dry Chaco scrub, often on rocks in full sun. So treat it as a sun plant and water it sparingly. Stiff leaves shed water fast, and the plant forgives neglect. It is also cold-hardy for a Tillandsia, and growers in mild-winter areas keep it outdoors year round with only a cover on frosty nights.
- Light: Full sun to very bright light.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. It drains quickly.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 35°F to 100°F. It tolerates brief light frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue or wire to wood or stone. It also grows well in a bowl of coarse bark.
- Pups: Two to four pups after bloom. Leave them on for a cluster.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Air Plants.
