Description
About Tillandsia purpurea x straminea
Tillandsia purpurea x straminea is a hybrid of two fragrant coastal Peruvian species. Tillandsia purpurea is a stem-forming desert plant with purple, scented flowers, and Tillandsia straminea is the larger, silver species with lilac flowers and a sweet perfume.
The hybrid grows upright, with silver leaves along a stout stem, and it inherits scent from both sides. When it flowers, it produces a long but sturdy bloom spike that stands well clear of the leaves.
The flowers are lilac to violet and fragrant, and they open over several weeks along the spike.
We grade it from 3-inch minis through smalls, mediums and larges to 12-inch specimens, measured wide or tall. It is one of the few fragrant hybrids we grow in specimen size.
Stock it for the scent and for the spike. A specimen in bloom is a display piece, and the minis are an inexpensive way to add fragrance to a mixed order at $4.
Growing Tillandsia purpurea x straminea: Care Guide
Both parents come from the fog deserts of the Peruvian coast, where they grow on sand with no rain and take their water from mist. The hybrid wants bright light, moving air and light watering; a mist every few days and a short soak every couple of weeks is plenty. It is far more likely to rot than to dry out, so never leave it wet overnight. Stand or hang it so the spike can grow straight, and once buds show, switch to misting so the stem stays dry and firm. A cool, dry winter rest brings the fragrant flowers in spring.
- 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 so the spike stands straight.
- Pups: One to three pups after bloom.
Browse our other Fragrant Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
