Description
About Tillandsia karwinskyana
Tillandsia karwinskyana is a Mexican species from the states of Nuevo León and San Luis Potosí. It grows as a lithophyte, on rocks and cliffs rather than on trees.
The leaves are slender and silvery-green, and they arch outward from a compact rosette. The effect is soft and feathery, which suits mounted displays and grouped arrangements.
The bloom is a branching spike with colourful bracts and violet flowers. It stands well above the leaves.
Plants are 3 to 4 inches and up. It is a modest size, but the shape is graceful and the price is low.
Karwinskyana is uncommon in the trade. It gives a display something buyers have not seen before, at a price that lets them try it.
Growing Tillandsia karwinskyana: Care Guide
Rock-dwelling plants from dry northeastern Mexico want sun, air and quick drainage. Treat karwinskyana as xeric, and it will tolerate cool nights and neglect alike. Its habitat sees frost, so it is hardier than most. It is slow to show stress, so a missed soak does no harm, and it rewards a bright, airy spot with a tighter, more silver rosette. Because it grows on rock in the wild, it also takes to stone mounts better than most species.
- Light: Bright light with direct sun for part of the day.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. It drains quickly.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 30°F to 95°F. It tolerates brief frost better than most.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue to stone or cork, which matches its habitat.
- Pups: Two or three pups after bloom.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Air Plants.
