Description
About Tillandsia stricta piniformis
Tillandsia stricta piniformis is a dwarf subspecies of one of the most widely grown plants in the Tillandsia genus. Where ordinary stricta forms an open rosette, piniformis stays tiny and packs its leaves into a tight cone.
The name describes it well. Short leaves spiral closely around a very short stem, giving the plant a conical, pine-cone outline rather than a flat rosette.
Small grades run from about 1.5 inches and large from 3 inches. Even at the top size this is a miniature, so it works best massed rather than displayed alone.
Stricta is a Brazilian species and a reliable bloomer. Expect the pink bracts and short-lived blue flowers the parent species is known for, on a much smaller scale.
Growing Tillandsia stricta piniformis: Care Guide
Stricta is a softer, greener plant than our desert species. Therefore it drinks more, and small plants dry faster still.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Gentle morning sun is fine, but avoid hard afternoon exposure.
- Water: Soak 10 to 15 minutes every 5 to 7 days. Keep soaks short because the plant is tiny.
- Drying: Shake it out thoroughly. Tightly packed leaves hold water at the core, and that is how small plants are lost.
- Airflow: Steady airflow, and more of it as clusters build up.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 50°F to 90°F. It dislikes extremes at either end.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with heavily diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Miniatures need very little.
- Mounting: No soil. Glue small plants to cork in groups, because a mass reads far better than a single.
- Pups: It offsets readily after bloom. Leave pups attached and let it form a cushion.
See our Air Plant Care page for guidance, and more miniatures in our Rare Air Plants.
