Tillandsia caput-medusae aka Octopus Plant
Taxonomy
Common names
Octopus PlantHow to care for Octopus Plant
Difficulty
Octopus Plant requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Octopus Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Octopus Plant is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Octopus Plant prefers bright diffused 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 Octopus Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Octopus Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
Octopus Plant thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
The growth of Octopus Plant is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Octopus Plant’s native range is the Americas.
Flower
If you provide your Octopus Plant with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia