Description
About Tillandsia recurvifolia
Tillandsia recurvifolia is a compact species from southern Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. The leaves are stiff and curved, and a dense trichome coat gives the whole rosette a silver finish.
The bloom is the reason it is famous. Bright orange to salmon bracts carry pure white flowers, and the spike stands clear of the leaves. It is one of the most photographed air plant blooms.
It is often confused with leonamiana, which has red bracts and purple flowers. Recurvifolia is the orange-and-white one.
We offer larges at 5 inches and up, which may carry some curve from growing on a bench, plus clumps of three or four plants.
Recurvifolia is easy, hardy and quick to bloom, so it works for shops that want a reliable flowering plant. It is also a parent of Houston, one of the most popular hybrids in the trade.
Growing Tillandsia recurvifolia: Care Guide
Recurvifolia grows on trees and rocks in southern Brazil, and it tolerates both drought and cool weather. It sits between xeric and mesic; give it bright light and a regular soak, and it will bloom every year. A plant that refuses to bloom almost always needs more light, not more water, and moving it into morning sun fixes it within a season.
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun. More sun as the spike forms.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Curved leaves hold water at the base.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 35°F to 95°F. It handles brief light 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 Air Plants.
