Description
Tillandsia secunda is found growing naturally up at very high altitudes. This large-sized plant is easy to grow and divides itself generously. Floral bracts are red to violet, and bloom flowers that are several centimeters long. When grown as an bare-rooted air plant or epiphyte–it tends to stay smaller. To grow faster and larger, grow as a potted plant in a fast draining potting mix.
The spectacular inflorescence ( floral spike) is a sight not to be missed! The leaves are a silver-green in conditions, but can appear more gray if grown in drier regions. The leaves are grown in a rosette, and are long and arching. This plant looks like a smaller version of an Agave or Aloe Vera. The name ‘secunda’, meaning “one sided” is in reference to the way the flowers all are dorsally attached and face downward.
Water this one frequently, but ensure that no water sits in the base or rosette of the plant for too long. It does well in a shadier spot. When growing in a pot or soil, ensure it is an orchid mix of sorts. So a fast-draining medium like coarse bark, wood chips or a coconut husk mix.