Description
About Tillandsia leonamiana
Tillandsia leonamiana is a Brazilian species that is often confused with recurvifolia, and the two are sold under each other’s names. The bloom tells them apart.
Recurvifolia has orange bracts and white flowers. Leonamiana has light red to deep red bracts, sometimes closer to fuchsia, with purple flowers. In strong light the red deepens further.
The rosette is silver-grey, with narrow recurved leaves, and it stays compact. Mediums are 4 inches, larges 5 to 6 inches, and clumps carry one to four or more pups.
The inflorescence is large for the plant. It stands well clear of the leaves and lasts for weeks, which is why growers who know the species ask for it by name.
For a shop it is a bloom plant. Time orders so plants arrive before their season, and sell them in colour. Clumps carry several spikes at once.
Growing Tillandsia leonamiana: Care Guide
Leonamiana grows in coastal Brazilian forest and rock outcrops, so it likes regular water and bright light without scorching heat. Treat it as mesic, and give it more light as bloom approaches to bring out the red. Once the spike shows, stop soaking the rosette and water from below or by misting, so the bracts stay clean and last longer.
- Light: Bright indirect light, with more sun as the spike forms.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Recurved leaves hold water at the base.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding improves the spike.
- Mounting: Glue or wire to wood. Clumps display well in a hanging holder.
- Pups: Two to four pups after bloom.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Rare Air Plants.
