Free Tillandsia Cyanea Plants

acalypha hispida plant
The Tillandsia is one of the smallest bromeliads and also one of the most attractive. The unusual, flat flower spike is made up of a series of overlapping bracts, coloured a beautiful shade of pink. For several weeks it produces a succession of blue-violet flowers. The spike itself remains attractive for over two months. As it is an epiphytic or tree¬living plant, the Tillandsia has a very weak root system. Water and food are therefore best applied directly to the foliage, with a hand mister or a fine-rosed watering can. In warm conditions the plant may need to be sprayed nearly every day.

Plant type : Flowering bromeliad with upright, arching habit
Season of interest : Varies according to plant and situation
Size : 20-30cm (8—12in)
Flower : Three-petalled, blue-violet, produced from flattened, oval, 7.5-12cm (3—5in), pink-bracted spike
Leaf : Pointed, thin, 20-30cm (8—12in) long, greyish green, radiating from centre
Temperature : 16-22°C (61-72°F)
Aspect/Light : Reasonably well-lit situation with some shade
Humidity : High
Watering : Spray foliage with mister, allowing to dry a little before re-watering
Feeding : Once a month with half strength houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Remove 7,5 -1 Ocm (3 -4in) offsets in spring or early summer and pot in seed and cutting compost at 18-22°C (68—72°F)
Potting : Seed and cutting or bromeliad compost
Problems : Dehydration and leaf scorch if foliage is not moistened regularly and atmosphere is too dry
Availability : Frequently available throughout year
Uses indoors : Small feature plant or as part of mixed arrangement in bowl or planter in lounge or dining room