Description
About Tillandsia purpurea large
Tillandsia purpurea large form is the big version of Tillandsia purpurea, a species of the coastal deserts of Peru. Purpurea grows along a stem with stiff, silver, recurving leaves, and this form grows very large.
We have grown many plants over 16 inches tall and 8 inches wide. Smalls are 3 to 4 inches, mediums 5 to 6, larges 7 to 8 and extra-larges 10 to 12 inches tall.
The flowers are the species’ great feature. They are purple to lilac, very fragrant, and they open a few at a time along a long spike, so a plant can be in scented bloom for several months.
The leaves are thick and channelled, and the whole plant is silver-grey. In strong light it takes on a faint purple cast.
Purpurea large form is a specimen plant for the scent shelf. One extra-large in bloom perfumes a room for a season, and it is priced at $8 for a plant that takes years to reach that size.
Growing Tillandsia purpurea large: Care Guide
Coastal Peruvian desert means fog, wind and sun with almost no rain, and purpurea has evolved to live on mist. Give the large form very bright light, constant airflow and light watering: a mist every few days and a short soak every couple of weeks. It rots long before it dries out, so never leave water sitting between the stacked leaves; invert it, shake it and hang it. Stand it upright so the spike grows straight, and once buds show, mist only. A cool, dry winter brings the spring flowers, and the plant needs no feeding beyond a light monthly dose.
- Light: Very bright light with direct sun.
- Water: Soak 15 minutes every 10 to 14 days, or mist weekly.
- 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.
- Mounting: Wire the base upright to wood or stone. Large plants need a solid mount.
- Pups: One to three pups after bloom.
Browse our other Fragrant Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
