Description
About Tillandsia tricholepis Bolivian
Tillandsia tricholepis Bolivian form is a micro species from the Diaphoranthema group, the same group as Spanish moss. It is one of the smallest Tillandsia tricholepis forms we grow.
Each plant is about 2 inches long, with tiny scale-like leaves packed along a branching stem. Plants ship with two to four offsets already attached.
The flowers are tiny and yellow, and they self-pollinate. So a clump sets seed on its own, and seedlings sometimes appear around the mother.
It clumps quickly. Within a couple of seasons a single becomes a branching tuft, and older clumps look like small green corals.
Tricholepis is a terrarium and miniature-display plant. It also sells to collectors who work through the Diaphoranthema group species by species. Our closed-form tricholepis is a separate listing with a tighter habit.
Growing Tillandsia tricholepis Bolivian: Care Guide
It grows in dry Bolivian scrub at altitude, often on cacti. Therefore treat it as xeric: bright light, quick drying, cool nights. The tiny leaves hold little water, so a short soak is enough. Because each plant is so small, sell it in multiples or as an established clump; a single 2-inch plant is easy to lose on a bench, but a tuft on a twig is not.
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun.
- Water: Soak 10 to 15 minutes every 10 to 14 days, or mist weekly.
- Drying: Shake and hang. It dries in minutes.
- Airflow: Good airflow. Never seal it in a closed container.
- Temperature: 35°F to 95°F. It tolerates cold well.
- Feeding: Feed lightly every 4 to 6 weeks with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer.
- Mounting: Glue to a twig or small piece of cork and let it branch.
- Pups: Constant. Leave them attached.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
