Tillandsia bulbosa aka Bulbous Airplant

Taxonomy

Tillandsia bulbosa, also known as the bulbous airplant, is a widespread species of flowering plant found in Central America, the West Indies, southern Mexico, and various parts of South America. This epiphytic perennial has bulbous bases that can reach up to 5cm in diameter and typically grows to a height and width of around 15cm. Its narrow green leaves are twisted and curled at the edges, resembling straw-like tubes. When in bloom, the upper leaves take on vibrant scarlet tones, while the tubular flowers, situated on short red stems, display a bright violet-purple color. Tillandsia bulbosa thrives in a variety of habitats, including open woods, dense forests, mangrove thickets along the coast, and lianas on riverbanks. It can be found at altitudes of up to 1400 meters above sea level. This peculiar-looking air plant produces inflorescences with red or green spikes that spread and contain 2-8 flowers. After flowering, the plant produces offspring called Pups, which should not be separated from the mother until they reach half to two-thirds of her size.

Common names

Bulbous Airplant

How to care for Bulbous Airplant

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Bulbous Airplant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

When growing the Bulbous Airplant, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Bulbous Airplant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Bulbous Airplant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Bulbous Airplant plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Bulbous Airplant grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Bulbous Airplant’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia