Description
About blooming purpurea x caerulea
This is the blooming purpurea x caerulea listing: the fragrant hybrid from our Tillandsia purpurea x caerulea base listing, shipped while the spike is in flower. Stock is limited and appears here only when a crop blooms.
This cross throws a very long spike for the size of the plant, from the purpurea side, and the flowers on it are scented, from the caerulea side. They are lavender to violet, and the perfume is sweet and carries.
Flowers open a few at a time along the spike, so a plant bought in early flower stays in scent for weeks.
We grade blooming plants from 5-inch smalls and 6-inch mediums to 8-inch larges, 10-inch extra-larges and 12-inch specimens, measured wide or tall.
It is a display and scent plant for the counter. A specimen in flower is a talking point, and once the spike finishes the upright plant pups from the base and goes on for years.
Growing blooming purpurea x caerulea: Care Guide
Both parents are dry-country plants, and the long spike is easily spoiled by water. Stand or hang the plant so the spike is clear, mist the leaves rather than soaking while it is in flower, and keep water off the petals. Very bright light and constant airflow keep the spike firm and the flowers opening in order. After the last flower, return to a short soak every couple of weeks with a hard shake, because the stacked leaves hold water along the stem. A cool, dry winter sets the next spike.
- Light: Very bright light with direct sun.
- Water: Mist while in flower. Soak 15 minutes every 10 to 14 days after.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Stacked leaves hold water.
- 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 so the spike stands clear.
- 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.
