Tillandsia - tenuifolia ‘Giant’ ex. CC

Description: Tillandsia tenuifolia 'Giant' is the largest known form of cultivated tenuifolia. The leaves are more bronze in colour when compared to the greener leaves of the standard tenuifolia. The beautiful bloom is the same pink and white.  The plant is hardy and easy to grow, it is suggested that it can survive temperatures down to -3 degrees Celsius. This plant has a caulescent growth habit and enjoys being mounted upside down so it can curl it's way up towards the sun. This variety will flower in October (Spring). 

Tillandsia tenuifolia Sp. is natively distributed to a wide region of areas from South Carolina, Florida and the Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Haiti) from Mexico to Salvador, as well as Northern Brazil, Peru, Venuzuela, Windward Islands, Surinam, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Surinam, Guyana, and French Guyana. In it's natural habitat it grows as an epiphyte at altitudes of over 2,700m. 

Position: We do not recommend keeping this plant indoors. It requires bright light, good airflow, and infrequent waterings. Under a tree, verandah or deck, or in a shadehouse are all great locations for this plant. Ensure the location you choose has good air flow to help the plant dry out between watering. This species can withstand low temperatures, however it must be protected from frost. This species can be grown suspended or mounted on a solid substrate that does not retain water (timber, cork bark, etc). You can attach this plant to the surface using coated wire, fishing line, or an adhesive such as silicone, hot glue, or no-more nails. Do not cover the base of the plant with moss or any other substrate as it may rot.

Watering: As a general rule, a plant in a hot position will require watering every 2-3 days. In a dark, humid environment watering once per week can often be adequate. This can be achieved by misting or dunking the plant. If outdoors, a hose can be used. When dunking a plant, leave submerged in a bowl of water for 10-20 minutes before shaking off excess water. Air plants love to dry out completely between each watering and must never have water sitting at their base as this will cause the plant to rot.

Fertilisation: We recommend fertilising your Air Plants once a fortnight in the warmer months and once a month through winter. We sell Air Plant Fertiliser in our "Accessories" section. Simply give the plant one or two sprays after watering.

Each living plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, colour or shape depending on the season. Flowering plants are sent when available.