Tillandsia utriculata, a large-format air girl

The territory of Tillandsia utriculata extends from Florida to Venezuela, via the Caribbean. Like many members of the Bromeliaceae family, it is an epiphytic plant, requiring neither roots nor soil to grow. Indoors, in our latitudes, it is often grown as a hanging plant.

How to recognize Tillandsia utriculata?

Although Tillandsia utriculata has only a short stem, it reaches a metre in height and 75 centimetres to a metre in width. Small white scales cover the surface of the plant. They enable the plant to capture moisture and nutrients from the air.

The light-green foliage is evergreen. Leaves grow in rosettes from the stem, as in tillandsia racket. They measure 80 centimetres long and two to seven centimetres wide. Their base is almost oval, while the blade is triangular and curved.

In summer, an upright spike over a metre long appears. It supports tubular white flowers with pistils and stamens protruding from the corolla. Unlike the flowers of spanish Moss, those of Tillandsia utriculata are odorless. Once flowering is complete, the plant produces shoots before dying slowly.

Tillandsia utriculata is not a toxic perennial. You can grow it indoors, even if you live with small children or pets.

Our maintenance tips

Tillandsia utriculata is an epiphytic plant. It requires special watering and repotting techniques.

Watering

Your Tillandsia utriculata captures humidity in the ambient air. Mist its foliage with non-calcareous water (rainwater or mineral water) at the right temperature to provide it with the water, humidity and nutrients it needs.

Water should not stagnate in the plant. Water the plant upside down. Aim for the foliage and avoid the heart of the plant.

With this method, it can be difficult to regulate the water supply. The leaves give you a clue. When they curl up on themselves, it means the plant is thirsty. But if the blades at the base turn yellow or brown, it's a sign of excess water.

Repotting

Your Tillandsia utriculata has no roots. This epiphytic plant requires special repotting. Simply place it on its support: a piece of wood, a stone, a shell... Don't use glue or nails to fix it. It attaches itself naturally to the material.

Fertilization

Fertilizer is an essential source of nutrients for your Tillandsia utriculata. Top up spray water with orchid fertilizer.

Prune

After flowering, cut off the spent flowers. You can do this by hand, or use a clean, sharp tool such as a pair of scissors or pruning shears.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Remove a shoot. Use a clean, sharp knife if necessary.

Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.

Prepare a pot lined with a mixture of potting soil, peat and pine bark. The pot does not need to be pierced. Place your cutting in the center.

Place your cutting in a heated room, in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Spray regularly, as for a mature plant.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Bromeliads - Bromeliaceae
Type	Daughter of the air - Tillandsia
Species	Tillandsia utriculata - Tillandsia utriculata
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Categories	Interior Herbaceous Flowery
Tags	Beginner Flowery
Origins	North America Central America South America
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower color