Description
About blooming purpurea large
This is the blooming purpurea large listing: the giant form from our Tillandsia purpurea large form base listing, shipped while it is in flower. Stock is limited to the flowering window.
Purpurea flowers are the reason the species is grown. They are lilac to purple, very fragrant, and they open a few at a time along a long spike, so one plant can be in scented bloom for several months.
The large form carries the spike on a plant that can pass 16 inches tall, with thick, channelled silver leaves along a stem. In flower it is a fragrant column.
We grade blooming plants from 3-to-4-inch smalls and 5-to-6-inch mediums to 7-to-8-inch larges and 10-to-12-inch extra-larges.
For a shop this is a scent plant for the counter, and one that lasts. Months of flowers, then pups from the base, from a plant that took years to reach flowering size.
Growing blooming purpurea large: Care Guide
Coastal Peruvian desert plants live on fog, and a purpurea in flower should be watered by mist alone. Keep the spike dry, keep the plant upright so the spike stands straight, and give it very bright light and constant airflow. Water sitting between the stacked leaves rots the stem, so if a plant does get soaked, invert it and shake until it is dry. When the last flower fades, return to a short soak every couple of weeks in dry weather. A cool, dry winter sets the next spike, and the plant needs only light monthly feeding.
- Light: Very bright light with direct sun.
- Water: Mist every few days while in flower. Soak 15 minutes every 10 to 14 days after.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Stacked leaves hold water along the stem.
- Airflow: Strong airflow always.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. Cool nights are welcome.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength; skip while in flower.
- Mounting: Wire the base upright to wood or stone so the spike stands straight.
- Pups: One to three from the base after bloom.
See the base listing for year-round stock, browse our other Fragrant Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
