Description
About Tillandsia juncifolia red
Tillandsia juncifolia red hybrid is a cross in the juncifolia group, the grass-like Tillandsia species with fine, upright leaves. It looks like juncifolia, but the leaves are thicker, hardier and bristle-like.
Colour is the reason to grow it. Given bright light, the whole plant blushes red and holds the colour all year, where the species only darkens at bloom.
The habit is upright and tufted. Smalls stand 5 inches, mediums 7, larges 9 and extra-larges 10 to 12 inches and more.
It pups freely, and we also sell it as clumps: small and medium clumps, and large clumps on wire with up to seven or more pups.
For a shop it is a tough, colourful vertical plant. It adds height to a display, it takes rough handling, and a red clump on wire sells as a finished piece at a modest price.
Growing Tillandsia juncifolia red: Care Guide
The thick bristle leaves store more water than the species, so this hybrid takes drier treatment and stronger light. Give it the brightest spot you have, because the red depends on it; in shade the plant goes green within weeks and stays green until it is moved back. Soak it every ten days or so, then stand it upside down to drain, since water collects at the base of the tuft. A clump needs a hard shake and a hanging position with air moving through it. It tolerates heat and dry shop air well.
- Light: Very bright light with direct sun. Sun keeps it red.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The base of the tuft holds water.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Wire the base upright to wood. Clumps hang well on wire from our Air Plant Accessories.
- Pups: Frequent. Clumps build fast.
Browse more Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
