Description
About Tillandsia schatzlii red hybrid
Tillandsia schatzlii is a compact Mexican species, and this is a red-selected hybrid of it. The parentage on the other side is unrecorded, but the colour is what the plant was chosen for.
Plants measure 3 to 5 inches wide, holding a dense symmetrical rosette. Leaves are short and stiff, packed closely rather than arching loosely outward.
Trichome cover is even and moderately heavy. That silver base is what makes the red flush read strongly when the plant approaches bloom, rather than muddying into the foliage.
At this size and price it works well massed. Several plants grouped on a shared mount give a much stronger colour statement than one alone.
Growing Tillandsia schatzlii red hybrid: Care Guide
Colour on a hybrid like this is light-driven. Therefore brightness decides how well it sells.
- Light: High light, including direct morning sun. Shade costs you the red entirely.
- Water: Soak 15 to 20 minutes every 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. A dense rosette traps water where the leaves overlap.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 50°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength. Feeding deepens the colour.
- Mounting: No soil. Glue or wire to cork, grouped rather than spaced apart.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom and cluster readily. Leave them attached for a fuller display.
Our Air Plant Care page has the basics, and more colouring hybrids sit in our Rare Air Plants.
