Description
About Tillandsia punctulata
Tillandsia punctulata is a Mexican and Central American species with many narrow leaves in a dense, symmetrical rosette. The sheaths at the base are blackish and wider than the leaves, which is a mark of the species.
The bloom is a simple, unbranched spike with a red bract that shades to green at the tip. Violet flowers open from it.
It offsets frequently, so a single becomes a clump within a couple of seasons. Plants are not currently in bloom.
We grade punctulata from 4-inch smalls to 9-inch extra-larges. It can be grown bare or planted in a bark and peat mix, and potted plants grow larger.
Punctulata is uncommon in the trade. The symmetry, the black sheaths and the two-tone bract make it a distinctive addition to a mixed order.
Growing Tillandsia punctulata: Care Guide
It grows in humid mountain forest, so it likes regular water and bright shade rather than sun. Punctulata is one of the few Tillandsias that prefers a pot to a bare mount; give it a fast-draining bark mix and it will reward you. Once potted, it can stay put for years, and a potted plant in bud is an easy sale, because the bract holds its colour for a month. Keep it away from cold draughts in winter.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid hot direct sun.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 days, or water potted plants weekly.
- Drying: Invert and shake bare plants. Let pots drain fully.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each watering.
- Temperature: 45°F to 90°F. Cool nights suit it.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Potted plants take it well.
- Mounting: Pot in bark and peat, or wire to a mossy mount.
- Pups: Frequent. Leave them on for a clump.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Air Plants.
