Description
About Tillandsia rodrigueziana red form x concolor
Tillandsia rodrigueziana is one of the taller species we work with, and this cross keeps that height. Mature grades reach around 14 inches, standing upright rather than spreading wide across a shelf.
The red form of Tillandsia rodrigueziana contributes warm colour through the bracts as well as the height. Concolor is the other parent, and it tightens the rosette while thickening the trichome coat.
Foliage is stiff and silver throughout. Narrow leaves rise steeply from the centre before curving outward near the tips, which makes the plant read taller still.
The flower spike is worth planning for. Tillandsia rodrigueziana sends up a long branched inflorescence, so a blooming plant needs real headroom on a display bench.
Three grades run from 6 inches to around 14 inches. The large size stands alone as a feature plant, which is unusual value at this price point.
Growing Tillandsia rodrigueziana red form x concolor: Care Guide
Both parents come from dry Mexican country. Therefore treat this cross as firmly xeric and give it vertical clearance.
- Light: High light, including direct morning sun. Strong light keeps the upright leaves stiff rather than floppy, and it deepens the bract colour.
- Water: Soak 20 to 30 minutes every 10 to 14 days. Large plants hold good reserves.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Upright leaf bases funnel water straight down into the centre, where it sits and rots.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak. Aim to be dry within four hours.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 55°F to 100°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly through spring and summer with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: No soil. Mount upright, and allow headroom because the spike adds substantial height.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom. Separate at one third the size of the mother, or leave them to cluster.
See our Air Plant Care page for the fundamentals, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more tall Mexican crosses.
