Partial Shade
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
11a-11b
USDA zone
4°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Roof Air Plant
Roof Air Plant Overview
Native to Ecuador and Peru, this evergreen, perennial species grows along cliff faces and rocky outcrops. It's an epiphytic plant and thus grows without the need for soil substrate. Best sited in bright light, foliage is narrow and linear, measures approximately 25cm in length, coloured silvery-grey and covered with small white hairs. Popular for its furry appearance, it can be a difficult plant for novices. Flowers are small and tubular, coloured purple and surrounded by pink-purple coloured modified leaves, known as bracts.
Common problems with Roof Air Plant
Generally disease free, Slugs & snails can be a problem if placed outside in summer. They can also suffer from aphids & mealybugs.
How to harvest Roof Air Plant
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate Roof Air Plant
Division
Place the plant in a bowl of water for two or three hours to hydrate it. Gently spread the leaves of the plant to reveal the pups at its base. Separate the pups from the parent plant by gently pulling the plants apart at the base. Put the pups into the bowl of water as you separate them from the parent plant. Mist the pups each day, in the morning or early afternoon. Tillandsias are nocturnal and respire at night, which means they breathe in carbon dioxide at night. If the leaves are covered with a film of water, they cannot absorb the gas from the air.
Special features of Roof Air Plant
Indoor plant
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Other uses of Roof Air Plant
Grown for their flowers or overall appearance.