Description
About Tillandsia secunda var. vivipara
Tillandsia secunda is an Ecuadorian species that grows considerably larger than most of what we stock, and it does something remarkable at flowering. Rather than setting seed, the vivipara variety produces fully formed baby plants along its inflorescence.
Those plantlets root and grow while still attached to the parent. A single flowering plant can hand a grower a dozen or more usable offsets, arriving at a workable size rather than as seedlings.
There is a second thing buyers need to know. Secunda is a tank type. The broad leaf bases overlap into a watertight well at the centre, and the plant holds standing water there just as a bromeliad does.
Four grades run from a 2 inch mini upward. The larger sizes are approaching flowering, which is when the plantlet display begins.
Growing Tillandsia secunda var. vivipara: Care Guide
Water this one into the cup rather than soaking and draining. Therefore the routine is unlike any silver plant you stock.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Some morning sun is fine, but the broad leaves scorch in hard afternoon exposure.
- Water: Keep the central well topped up and let the plant draw from it.
- Flushing: Empty and refill the cup weekly with fresh water so it does not go stagnant.
- Do not invert: Never turn it over to shake it dry. That empties the reservoir it depends on.
- Airflow: Moderate airflow around the foliage. Humidity is welcome.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 55°F to 95°F. Protect from frost.
- Feeding: Add diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength to the cup water monthly. Fed plants produce more plantlets per spike.
- Mounting: No soil. Mount level so the well holds water, and allow room for the spike.
- Plantlets: Leave them on the spike until roughly one third the parent’s size, then twist them free.
As a tank type it sits with our Bromeliads. See our Air Plant Care page, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more Ecuadorian species.
