Description
About Tillandsia jucunda
Tillandsia jucunda is a stiff-leaved species from Bolivia and northern Argentina. The leaves are long, thick and rigid, and they radiate from a compact base.
It grows fast for an air plant, and it clumps quickly. A 3-inch small becomes a multi-headed clump within a few seasons.
The flowers are pale yellow, which is uncommon in the genus. They open from a short red-bracted spike. Plants are not currently in bloom.
Current stock has thinner leaves than usual. They thicken as the plants mature in bright light, and the colour is unaffected.
We grade jucunda in four sizes. It is a vigorous, low-risk plant, and it suits growers who want to buy small and grow on. Because the leaves are so rigid, it also survives rough handling and long transit better than softer species, so losses in shipping are close to zero.
Growing Tillandsia jucunda: Care Guide
It grows in dry, sunny country. So give it bright light and let it dry out between soaks. Jucunda will also grow in a pot of coarse bark, and potted plants bulk up faster. Either way, the plant does most of the work itself; it simply needs light and a dry rest between waterings.
- Light: Bright light to full sun. Strong light thickens the leaves.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Stiff leaves shed water fast.
- Airflow: Moving air after each soak.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. It tolerates cool nights.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding pushes even faster pups.
- Mounting: Glue or wire to wood. Clumps sit well in an open holder.
- Pups: Constant. Divide when crowded, or sell clumps whole.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
