Description
About Tillandsia espinosae giant
Tillandsia espinosae giant form is the large form of a stiff grey Tillandsia from the dry forests of Ecuador and Peru. The species was long known as Vriesea espinosae, and older growers still use that name.
The rosette is firm and symmetrical, with grey, slightly channelled leaves that open wider as the plant matures. Minis are 2 inches; specimens pass 12 inches tall or wide.
It is very hardy. It withstands bright light and even direct sun in most climates, though in true desert heat a shade structure is kinder.
The habit is stoloniferous. Each bloom cycle produces four or more pups on short runners, and they quickly form a beautiful symmetrical clump around the mother.
The giant form is the version to stock for display. Our regular espinosae is the small terrarium-scale plant; this one becomes a centrepiece, and a clump of them is architectural.
Growing Tillandsia espinosae giant: Care Guide
Dry tropical forest means strong light, heat and a long dry season, so the giant form wants bright light, quick drying and a soak every couple of weeks. The channelled leaves hold water at the base, so invert it and shake well; a clump of pups on stolons needs shaking from several angles. It tolerates neglect, heat and dry shop air with ease, and it colours slightly in full sun. Mount it on a broad slab so the stolons have somewhere to go, and leave the pups attached for the clump. Feed through the growing season and the pups come faster.
- Light: Very bright light with direct sun. Shade it in desert heat.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Channelled leaves hold water.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 40°F to 100°F. It takes heat well.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Wire to a broad slab of wood or cork and let the stolons spread.
- Pups: Four or more per bloom, on stolons. Leave them on.
Browse more Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
