Description
About Tillandsia straminea dwarf
Tillandsia straminea dwarf is the compact form of a fragrant Tillandsia from coastal Peru and southern Ecuador. It keeps the species’ celebrated scent without the size of the standard plant.
The leaves are narrow, leathery and silver, tapering to fine tips. They arch outward and down, but the rosette stays tight. Minis are 2 to 3 inches, and extra-larges reach 12 inches.
The flowers are pale lilac and sweetly fragrant, and they open over a long period. The scent is the same as the big straminea; only the plant is smaller.
It comes from the same fog-fed desert as the species, so it tolerates long dry spells and holds well on a shelf.
At 75 cents the dwarf is the way to sell straminea fragrance in quantity. Stock the standard and thick leaf forms for display, and the dwarf for kits and scented gift sets.
Growing Tillandsia straminea dwarf: Care Guide
Coastal Peruvian desert means sun, wind and fog, so the dwarf wants strong light, constant airflow and light watering. It is more likely to suffer from overwatering than from neglect, and misting suits it. A bright, breezy spot with a mist every few days and a short soak every two weeks is the whole routine. A cool, dry winter rest brings the fragrant flowers in spring, and a hanging clump in bloom will scent a whole room.
- Light: Very bright light with direct sun.
- Water: Soak 15 minutes every 10 to 14 days, or mist weekly.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Folded leaves hold water at the base.
- Airflow: Strong airflow always.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. Cool nights are welcome.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue to wood or set in a small holder.
- Pups: Offsets after bloom. Separate at one third the mother’s size.
Browse our other Fragrant Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
