Tillandsia xerographica
King of air plants
An evergreen, epiphytic perennial ultimately reaching a height and spread of up to 90cm. The light green, silvery-grey, recurving leaves are wide at the base and taper to a point forming a tight rosette. Flower spikes, up to 40cm tall, bear tubular red-purple flowers which emerge from green bracts
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–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
How to grow
Cultivation
Plants need no compost; they are glued or wired 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 outside in summer to benefit from rain, additional light and humidity. See Air plants for more
Propagation
Propagate from seed (see Air plants) or by separating offsets once they are at least a third the size of the parent
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.