Description
About Tillandsia latifolia divaricata
Tillandsia latifolia var. divaricata is the spreading variety of Tillandsia latifolia, a species of the coastal deserts of Peru and Ecuador. It is one of the easiest air plants we grow, and one of the biggest.
The leaves are stiff, grey and spreading, in an open rosette that widens with age. Its variety name refers to the way the leaves and offsets splay outward.
The bloom is a tall spike with pink to red bracts and violet flowers, and it lasts for weeks. In the garden it attracts hummingbirds.
We grade it from 7-inch smalls through mediums and larges to specimens of 20 inches and more, measured tall or wide. Extra-small plants are also available at times.
Given time it builds very large clumps, and a mature clump is a landscape piece rather than a windowsill plant. For a shop it is the low-risk large air plant: hard to kill, cheap at $4, and impressive at size.
Growing Tillandsia latifolia divaricata: Care Guide
Latifolia grows on bare sand and rock in one of the driest places on earth, so it wants full sun, heat and very little water. A short soak every couple of weeks and fast drying are all it needs, and in a humid climate misting alone will do. It takes direct sun that would scorch a green species, and it is at home outdoors in frost-free areas, on a rock, a wall or a patio table. The stiff leaves drain fast, so rot is rare. Feed it through the growing season to speed the clump, and expect several pups after every bloom.
- Light: Full sun to very bright light.
- Water: Soak 15 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Stiff leaves drain fast.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 40°F to 100°F. It takes heat well.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding speeds the clump.
- Mounting: Wire to a solid mount, set on rock, or grow loose in a bowl.
- Pups: Several after bloom. Clumps grow very large.
Browse more Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
