Description
About Tillandsia sphaerocephala
Tillandsia sphaerocephala takes its name from its shape. The Greek roots mean round-headed, and the plant forms a tight, near-spherical head of leaves rather than an open flat rosette.
It comes from the high dry country of Bolivia, growing on rock and in exposed scrub. That habitat shows in the plant, which is stiff, compact and heavily coated in silver trichomes.
Leaves are short and thick, curving inward so the whole plant reads as a ball. That density makes it hold its shape well in transit and on the shelf.
Plants ship at 4 to 5 inches wide. The rounded form contrasts nicely with strappy or bulbous species in a mixed display, and it is uncommon enough to be worth pointing out.
Growing Tillandsia sphaerocephala: Care Guide
A tight ball of leaves holds water where they overlap. Therefore drying matters more here than watering frequency.
- Light: High light, including direct morning sun. Strong light keeps the head tight and the silver bright.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days. High-altitude species handle drought easily.
- Drying: Invert and shake firmly. The dense inward-curving leaves trap water at the core.
- Airflow: Strong airflow after every soak.
- Temperature: Very cold tolerant, from 40°F to 90°F. Cool nights suit it better than sustained heat.
- Feeding: Feed monthly in the growing season with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: No soil. Mount on cork or rock in the brightest, airiest position you have.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom and cluster tightly. Leave them attached for a fuller head.
Our Air Plant Care page covers the fundamentals, and more Bolivian species sit in our Rare Air Plants.
