Description
About Tillandsia Starburst
Tillandsia Starburst is a natural hybrid of Tillandsia brachycaulos and Tillandsia schiedeana. It takes its slim leaves from schiedeana and its colour from brachycaulos.
The leaves are narrow and numerous, and they develop a spiral twist as the plant matures. That twist gives the plant its name. From above, a mature rosette looks like a starburst.
At bloom time the centre flushes red, and the flowers show the mixed parentage. Brachycaulos brings purple, and schiedeana brings yellow, so the display is unusual.
We grade Starburst in mediums at 6 inches tall, larges at 8 inches tall and 10 inches wide, and clumps of two to three pups on the mother. It is easy, fast and colourful.
Starburst also grows quickly for a hybrid with this much colour. Mediums become larges within a season under good light, and clumps fill out just as fast. It is a good choice for growers who resell.
Growing Tillandsia Starburst: Care Guide
Brachycaulos is a moisture lover and schiedeana is a dry grower. The hybrid sits in the middle, so treat it as mesic.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Some gentle morning sun deepens the red.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The many slim leaves overlap at the base.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. It responds quickly with new leaves.
- Mounting: Glue or wire to wood, or set in a holder. Clumps display well in a shallow bowl.
- Pups: Two or three pups after bloom. They grow fast.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
