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A terrestrial, rainforest species from Ecuador. It is well known to be frost tender but from time to time they turn up
on the market so cheaply that it is a pity not to push the limits of luck one more time. I imagine that slot machines have a similar appeal
and I don't go near those. Tillandsia are another matter. In the event this one survived two winters in the Agave House but I didn't
take any further pictures which is code for "it survived but not in an attractive way". The Llifle encyclopedia says: "Origin and Habitat: Ecuador. It lives epiphytically on trees but will grow on almost anything. The arched, folded leaves act as collectors for dew or mist. After condensing, the water trickles to the base of the stem, where it is absorbed. This method is so efficient that the plant needs almost no root system. When the plants have roots, they use them to hold on to a perch. Moisture and nourishment enter through the scales on the leaves. Tillandsia cyanea is one of the most widely cultivated tillandsias with arching leaves arranged in a loose rosette. It has a large showy bloom; a hot pink spike with purple flowers. It is a medium sized species and one of the few tillandsias that grows best when potted, though it may also be grown mounted." |
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| 18th July 2015 | ||
