Description
About Tillandsia streptophylla x novakii
Tillandsia streptophylla x novakii is a big plant, and it is bred to be one. Streptophylla supplies the bulbous base and the dramatic curl. Novakii supplies scale, adding real height and a heavier flower spike.
The result curls like a streptophylla but on a much larger frame. Leaves ringlet hard when the plant is dry, then relax and open again after a soak.
That behaviour makes it easy to read. A tightly curled plant is thirsty, and a relaxed one is not, so you rarely need to guess.
We offer it at 9 inches, 12 inches and 16 inches and up. The largest size is a genuine specimen and prices as one.
Growing Tillandsia streptophylla x novakii: Care Guide
A bulbous base plus a large body means water management is everything. Therefore mount it so the base can drain.
- Light: High light. Strong light tightens the curl noticeably, which is what buyers are paying for.
- Water: Soak 20 to 30 minutes every 10 to 14 days. Watch the leaves rather than the calendar.
- Drying: The critical rule. The hollow pseudobulb fills during a soak, so invert the plant and shake it firmly every time. Water left inside rots it from the centre outward.
- Airflow: Strong airflow. Aim to be dry within four hours.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 60°F to 100°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly in spring and summer with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: No soil. Wire it, never glue it, because large plants get heavy. Mount at an angle so the bulb drains.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom. Separate at one third the size of the mother.
See our Air Plant Care page, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more large hybrids.
