Tillandsia albertiana
Albert's air plant
An evergreen, epiphytic perennial to around 10cm tall. Slender, grey-green leaves are up to 12cm long and arrangedin two vertical ranks on either side of the stem forming a flat-leafed rosette. Single, bright red flowers with three petals are borne in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Tillandsia are evergreen perennials, often epiphytic, forming rosettes of leathery, linear or strap-shaped leaves, and tubular or funnel-shaped flowers which may be 2-ranked in spikes with conspicuous bracts, or solitary and inconspicuous
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Plants need no compost, they are wired or glued to a support. Grow under glass in bright but diffused light with good ventilation. From spring to autumn immerse in rainwater twice a week (more in hot, dry conditions) drain well and allow to dry. Can stand outdoors in summer to benefit from rain and increased light and humidity. See Air plants cultivation
Propagation
Propagate from seed (see Air plants) or by separating offsets once they are at least a third as large as the parent
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Remove rosettes that have died after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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