Tillandsia bergeri aka Spreading Airplant

Taxonomy

Tillandsia bergeri is an evergreen epiphyte native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of greyish-green, narrowly triangular leaves that taper to a point, reaching up to 15cm in length. During summer, it produces flower spikes that are 7-12cm long. The flowers are blue with white centers and twisted petals, emerging from pink bracts. This air plant, also known as the "Mad Pupper" of the Tillandsia world, is one of the fastest clumping species and grows all-year round. While it doesn't bloom every year, its main focus is on growing into an attractive clump. The leaves are covered in trichomes, giving them a gray color and allowing the plant to absorb nutrients from the air while reflecting excess sunlight. After watering, the leaves turn green, indicating the plant's health. With its adaptability to dry and sunny conditions, Tillandsia bergeri is a great air plant that is easy to care for.

Common names

Spreading Airplant

How to care for Spreading Airplant

Difficulty

Spreading Airplant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Spreading Airplant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Spreading Airplant, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Spreading Airplant thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Spreading Airplant.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Spreading Airplant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Spreading Airplant prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Spreading Airplant is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Spreading Airplant’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia