Description
About Tillandsia lautneri
Tillandsia lautneri is a Mexican species in the capitata complex. It has the same broad rosette, but the leaves are thicker, and it grows very large, especially when potted.
The leaves are grey-green and stiff. In strong light the plant blushes, but current stock is green and not in bloom.
It is very prolific. Pups come freely after bloom, and a potted plant becomes a clump within a couple of seasons.
We grade lautneri from 2-inch minis to 12-inch extra-larges. Larges and above are impressive plants for the price.
Lautneri is a fun plant to grow, and a good one for nurseries that pot their Tillandsias. It gives capitata size and vigour with thicker, tougher leaves.
Growing Tillandsia lautneri: Care Guide
Like its capitata relatives, lautneri likes regular water and bright light, and it grows biggest in a pot of bark. The thick leaves store water, so it tolerates a missed soak, but drain it well. A potted plant in a 4-inch bark pot will outgrow a mounted one within a year, and the pups fill the pot into a saleable clump without any extra work. Keep the crown free of debris so water does not stand in it.
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun. Sun brings the blush.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days, or water potted plants weekly.
- Drying: Invert and shake bare plants. Let pots drain.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each watering.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding supports the size.
- Mounting: Pot in orchid bark, or wire large plants to a solid mount.
- Pups: Many. Divide when crowded, or sell clumps whole.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Air Plants.
