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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

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

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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 °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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