Tillandsia filifolia (Tillandsia filifolia)
Tillandsia filifolia is reported to be an evergreen epiphytic herb; most members of Tillandsia can grow attached to tree trunks, rocks, and similar surfaces. It is reported to be perennial, with mature plants generally flowering once in their lifetime before the mother plant gradually declines and produces offsets.
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Overview
Tillandsia filifolia is reported to be an evergreen epiphytic herb; most members of Tillandsia can grow attached to tree trunks, rocks, and similar surfaces. It is reported to be perennial, with mature plants generally flowering once in their lifetime before the mother plant gradually declines and produces offsets.
Origin and habitat
Tillandsia filifolia is reported to be native from southern Mexico to Costa Rica, with the source explicitly identifying Mexico and Costa Rica as native areas. Tillandsia species are reported to grow epiphytically on trees or attached to rocks and cliffs, and members of the genus occur in environments including forests, deserts, and mountains. Tillandsia as a genus is reported to span tropical to warm-temperate environments.
Characteristics
Few sources report a mature height of about 10–100 cm. The leaves are reported to bear scale-like hairs that absorb water and nutrients; Tillandsia commonly has strap-like, fleshy leaves with visible gray scales. Tillandsia is reported to form conspicuous, long-lasting inflorescences, with flowers that may be green, white, yellow, blue, purple, or pink depending on the species.
Light
Sources differ on direct sun, but describe bright conditions and bright indoor positions, with bright shade presented as the more conservative choice under strong summer light. Bright indirect light is generally recommended.
Watering
Sources differ between soaking and misting, but indicate that indoor plants need regular watering followed by rapid drying and good airflow; after soaking, retained water should be shaken from the base and between the leaves, and watering frequency should be adjusted to the environment. A generally recommended method is to soak, then let dry. The plant is reported to need to dry promptly after watering.
Humidity and airflow
Tillandsia filifolia is reported to need good airflow.
Growing medium and mounting
For typical epiphytic cultivation, soil is generally unnecessary, and the plant can be attached to materials such as wood, bark, cork, or rock. It is generally grown mounted.
Feeding
Sources differ on feeding: fertilizer requirements are described as low, with either no fertilizer or occasional dilute water-soluble fertilizer during growth.
Propagation
Tillandsia filifolia is reported to be propagated from offsets formed after flowering; offsets may be separated after reaching a substantial fraction of the mother plant's size, while propagation from seed is also possible but very slow.
Common problems
Reported pests include scale insects and spider mites, while mealybugs may also occur in typical indoor cultivation. Sooty mold and crown rot are reported as possible diseases. Brown, crisp leaf tips may be associated with insufficient water, while water remaining for prolonged periods at the base or between leaves may cause rot. Tillandsia as a genus is reported to have strong heat tolerance and ordinary to relatively weak cold tolerance; bright shade may be used under strong summer sunlight.
Identification
The roots are reported to function mainly as anchors, while scale-like hairs on the leaves absorb most water and nutrients, allowing growth attached to surfaces without soil.
Photos
Sources
- Wikipedia (en): Tillandsia filifolia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · link
- Wikipedia (ja): チランジア・フィリフォリア — CC BY-SA 4.0 · link
- Rainforest Flora care guide: Tillandsia (group-level) — © Rainforest Flora, facts only · link
- NHK みんなの趣味の園芸 植物図鑑: Tillandsia (genus-level) — © NHK出版, facts only · link
- NC State Plant Toolbox: Tillandsia (genus-level) — copyright (facts only) · link