Description
About Tillandsia ‘Long John’
Tillandsia ‘Long John’ crosses Tillandsia intermedia with Tillandsia pseudobaileyi. The cross reads clearly in the plant, because it grows into a tall, curling form that looks like nothing else on the bench. So instead of splitting the difference between two parents, it leans hard into height and movement, throwing leaves that spiral and arch as it matures.
This is T.I. Clone stock, meaning Davis Farms acquired these plants from Tillandsia International’s collection when that grower closed. We’ve kept the clone name and lineage intact instead of folding it into a generic listing. Buyers researching this specific cross should be able to find it by name.
It ships in two grades: Medium at 12 inches and up, and Large at 16 inches and up. Both hold their curl well in transit, so what arrives looks like what we photograph.
‘Long John’ is also a vigorous, easy grower. It doesn’t sulk after shipping the way some slower hybrids do, and it settles into a new display within a few weeks. That makes it a low-risk specimen pick for a shop that wants drama without babysitting.
Because of its size and form, it works as a single-plant centerpiece rather than a shelf filler for a premium display case.
Growing Tillandsia ‘Long John’: Care Guide
Treat ‘Long John’ as mesic, since that’s the regime that suits its intermedia parent. Soak it 7-10 days, then invert it fully so no water sits at the base of the curling leaves.
- Water: Soak 7-10 days, then invert and shake dry.
- Light: Bright, indirect light; some morning sun is fine.
- Feeding: Mist with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer monthly to support its size.
- Mounting: Tillandsia Wire secures the height without crushing new growth.
- Display: Best alone, with room around it, since the curl is the point.
Pair it with TillyBoost Fertilizer monthly, and browse more specimen-grade plants in our Rare Air Plants category, or read the air plant care guide for soak-and-dry basics.
