Description
About Tillandsia scaposa
Tillandsia scaposa is a Guatemalan Tillandsia that was long sold as Tillandsia kolbii. It looks much like ionantha rubra at first glance, but the leaves spread into a fan at the top of the plant.
Young plants hold their leaves closed. As they mature the top opens, and the fan shape appears. Leaf thickness varies from plant to plant.
At bloom the leaves flush red and a short spike opens violet flowers. It is a soft-leaved, gentle plant.
We grade scaposa from 1.5-inch smalls to 5-inch extra-larges. At 60 cents it sits in the same price band as the ionanthas.
It is perfect for small arrangements and terrariums. The fan top gives a display a different shape from the ionantha pincushion, and the two look well together.
Growing Tillandsia scaposa: Care Guide
Scaposa grows in humid Guatemalan cloud forest, so it wants a little more water and a little less sun than an ionantha. Bright shade, a weekly soak and full drying keep it happy. It scorches in hot afternoon sun, so bright morning light is the safest choice, and it holds up well in a shop for several weeks. Mist it between soaks if the air is dry, because the soft leaves tell you quickly when it is thirsty by curling inward.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Morning sun brings the red.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days. Mist in dry air.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The fan top holds water at the centre.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 90°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue to shells, cork or small holders from our Air Plant Displays.
- Pups: Two or three pups after bloom.
Browse more Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
