Tillandsia aff. utriculata - The Giant Air Plant
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Tillandsia aff. utriculata refers to a form that shows close affinity to the species Tillandsia utriculata but may differ morphologically or regionally, often pending formal taxonomic clarification. Native to parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and the southern United States, plants in this complex typically grow in warm, open habitats including pine rocklands and tropical hammocks. This large, tank-forming species develops an upright rosette of broad, grey-green leaves and can produce a towering inflorescence that, in some cases, exceeds one metre in height. The spike is often branched and bears pale green to yellow bracts with purple to lavender tubular flowers. These forms are ecologically significant as water reservoirs in their native habitats.
Distinctive features:
- Large, upright rosette with broad, arching leaves
- Tank-forming habit, capable of holding water at the base
- Tall, branched inflorescence with pale bracts and tubular purple flowers
- Leaves densely trichomed and grey-green in appearance
- Often exceeds 50–80 cm in height or more when in flower
Care Tips:
- Light: Requires bright light to full sun; thrives in open, airy spaces
- Water: Fill central tank with clean water and flush periodically; mist leaves in dry climates
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity with good air circulation
- Media: Can be grown mounted or supported in large baskets; avoid enclosed containers
- Temperature: Ideal range is 18–32°C; protect from frost and cold winds
- Fertiliser: Apply diluted bromeliad fertiliser monthly to tank or leaves during growth
Additional Notes:
- Highly valued for its scale and ecological role in native environments
- Tank may attract frogs, insects, or small wildlife in outdoor conditions
- Specimens labelled as aff. utriculata may represent distinct localised forms
- Not toxic to pets
Shipping Schedule & Biosecurity Information
- Dispatch Day: All orders are dispatched on Tuesdays.
- Cut-off for Same Week Dispatch: Orders must be placed by Monday 7am (AEST) to be sent that week. Orders placed after this will be dispatched the following Tuesday.
WA, NT & TAS Orders
- Cut-off: Orders to WA, NT and TAS must be placed by Friday 7am (AEST) to be included in the following week’s dispatch.
- Treatment & Delay: These orders require biosecurity treatment and certification, which is completed each Friday. Please allow an additional 1–2 weeks for processing.
Plant Health Certification (PHAC) Fees
- $20 fee applies to WA orders.
- $10 fee applies to NT and TAS orders.
- This fee is per order (not per plant) and is included in your shipping cost at checkout.
Size: Medium
