Description
About Tillandsia tectorum Peru
Tillandsia tectorum Peru is the largest form of Tillandsia tectorum. Mature plants reach 2 feet long and almost as wide. The Ecuador form is a fuzzy ball; the Peru form is a fuzzy monument.
The leaves are longer and more open, and the silver coat is slightly shorter. Because of that, the plant shows more of its shape. The inflorescence is a bright red spike that stands well clear of the leaves.
This is the tectorum for a centerpiece. A single large plant fills a display bowl on its own, and a superclump anchors a whole shelf.
We grade it from 5-inch smalls to 12-inch XL plants, plus superclumps. Availability is limited, so order while it is listed.
Growth is slow, so a large plant represents many years of work. That is why the big grades are priced as they are, and why stock in those grades is limited. Small plants are a sound long-term investment for a display grower.
Growing Tillandsia tectorum Peru: Care Guide
It grows on dry rocky slopes at altitude. Therefore treat it as a sun plant that drinks rarely.
- Light: Full sun to very bright light. Weak light makes it loose and green.
- Water: Mist or dunk briefly every 10 to 14 days. Skip soaking altogether.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The long leaves shed water quickly if the plant is upside down.
- Airflow: Strong airflow always. It is a rot risk in still air.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. Cool nights are welcome.
- Feeding: Feed every 4 to 6 weeks with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Growth is slow but steady.
- Mounting: Large plants are heavy. Wire them to a solid mount with Tillandsia wire.
- Pups: Pups slowly from the base. Superclumps are years of growth in one piece.
Browse more Rare Air Plants or see our air plant care guide.
