Description
About Tillandsia stellifera
Tillandsia stellifera is a Peruvian species in the tectorum complex. It shares the white trichome coat and a similar bloom, but it grows along a stem rather than as a single globe.
Each rosette is small and star-shaped, which is where the name comes from. New rosettes form along the stem, so the plant quickly becomes a chain of silver stars.
Because it clumps fast, it is one of the quicker tectorum relatives to build into a display piece. A wired clump about 6 inches across is ready to hang.
The bloom is a short pink spike with violet flowers. It is not the main event; the silver foliage is. Plants are not currently in bloom.
We grade stellifera in small and medium singles plus clumps on wire. Pup counts vary between clumps, but size is consistent.
Growing Tillandsia stellifera: Care Guide
Like tectorum, it comes from dry Andean slopes. So it wants sun, air and very little water. The stem form has one advantage over tectorum: water runs off it instead of pooling in a globe. So stellifera is a little more forgiving of a careless soak, though it still wants to dry fast.
- Light: Very bright light with direct sun.
- Water: Mist or dunk briefly every 10 to 14 days. Avoid long soaks.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Stems hold water where rosettes meet.
- Airflow: Constant airflow. Still humid air causes rot.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. Cool nights are welcome.
- Feeding: Feed lightly every 4 to 6 weeks with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer.
- Mounting: Wire the base and hang it so the stems can trail.
- Pups: Frequent, along the stem. Clumps thicken every year.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
