Tillandsia tectorum

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

Tillandsia tectorum does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

To keep your Tillandsia tectorum healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

To ensure optimal growth, the Tillandsia tectorum 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.

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

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Tillandsia tectorum enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

The Tillandsia tectorum is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Tillandsia tectorum’s native range is the Americas.