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The majority of Tillandsias are extremely tender, with broad green leaves. The grey leaved Tillandsia grow epiphytically, or lithophytically, or telegraphwire-ophytically, and are drought tolerant, and neglect tolerant. This one has never had a root ball, and grows out of an empty pot. It seems to prosper in its own slow fashion. When it did finally flower, it was spectacular. I think it was responding to an increase in light levels after I moved it into a poly tunnel. My plant came labelled as T. recurvata and although I have some misgivings, I m not going to change it yet. Matt Candeias says on his 'In defense of plants' blog: "Tillandsia recurvata is native throughout an impressive chunk of the Americas, from the southern United States through to northern Argentina and Chile. Wherever temperatures rarely dip below freezing, T. recurvata can make an easy living. One of the most remarkable aspects of this species is the array of habitat types in which it grows. This hardy little air plant is equally at home in sub-tropical conditions as it is arid desert habitats. Its ability to tolerate heat, drought, and plenty of air pollution has led to its colonization of urban environments as well. Probably the most incredible feat of this species has been its conquest of the human environment. Throughout its range you can find T. recurvata thriving on man-made structures like power lines. " |
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| 28th March 2006 | ||
