Description
About Tillandsia velutina
Tillandsia velutina is a Guatemalan species with a velvety texture. The leaves are soft and finely scaled, so they feel like suede, which is what the name means.
At bloom it turns brilliant pink to red across the whole rosette, and violet flowers open from the centre. The colour change is fast and total. Few plants at this price blush so hard.
The rosette is open and graceful, with leaves that arch outward. Smalls are 2 inches; specimens reach 10 inches or more. Current mediums are on the thin side and will fill out.
It is closely related to brachycaulos and is often sold under that name. Velutina is the softer, more velvety of the two.
At a dollar a plant, velutina is a volume plant with a premium look. It fills kits and displays, and a bench of them in bloom stops traffic.
Growing Tillandsia velutina: Care Guide
Velutina grows in humid Guatemalan forest, so it likes more water and less sun than a silver desert species. Treat it as mesic: bright shade, a weekly soak, and full drying in between. Because the leaves are soft, handle it gently on unboxing; a bent leaf will not straighten, though the plant does not care.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Morning sun brings a stronger blush.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 days. Mist between soaks in dry air.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The soft leaves hold water at the centre.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Feeding deepens the colour.
- Mounting: Glue to wood or set in a holder. It suits shells and pieces from our Air Plant Displays.
- Pups: Two to four pups after bloom.
Browse more Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
