Description
About Tillandsia pruinosa x scaposa
Tillandsia pruinosa x scaposa select red is a hand-selected red form of a cross between Tillandsia pruinosa and Tillandsia scaposa. Most air plants are green or silver. This one is red, and it stays red.
Pruinosa gives it a bulbous base and a frosted coat of trichomes. Scaposa gives it soft, slightly wider leaves and an easy nature. The red runs through the whole rosette.
Unlike a bloom blush, the colour does not depend on a season or a flowering cycle. It holds across a wide range of light and temperature, so it looks the same on a shop shelf as it does in a greenhouse.
Plants are 4 inches and up. The bloom is a short spike with violet flowers, and it deepens the red further.
We selected this clone from a batch of seedlings for exactly that trait. It is a strong contrast plant in a mixed display, and it photographs well for online listings.
Growing Tillandsia pruinosa x scaposa: Care Guide
Pruinosa grows in humid forest and scaposa is a Guatemalan cloud-forest plant, so this hybrid likes more moisture than a silver desert species. Water it more often, but the bulbous base still needs to drain.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Colour holds in most light levels.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days. Mist between soaks in dry air.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Water sits in the base otherwise.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue or wire to wood. It is small enough for shells and holders.
- Pups: One to three pups after bloom. Pups keep the red.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
