Tillandsia elongata (WA Prohibited)

Tillandsia elongata is a species native to a wide range of tropical regions including Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and parts of the Caribbean. It is typically found growing on trees or rocks in warm, humid lowland forests and coastal areas, often exposed to bright light and regular rainfall. The plant forms a large, upright rosette of long, green leaves and is best known for its tall, showy inflorescence, which can reach up to 50 cm in height. The branched spike bears bright pink to reddish bracts and pale violet tubular flowers, often lasting for several weeks.

Distinctive features:

• Produces a tall, branched inflorescence with colourful pink to red bracts
• Large rosette with grey-green leaves reaching 20–40 cm in length
• Flowers are tubular, pale violet, and emerge successively
• Adapted to humid, bright environments with consistent rainfall
• Impressive vertical habit, ideal for large displays or centrepieces

Care Tips:

• Light: Requires bright, indirect light; tolerates filtered sun
• Water: Soak or thoroughly mist 2–3 times per week; dry fully within a few hours
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity with good airflow
• Media: Best mounted on wood or displayed upright in a well-ventilated container; no soil needed
• Temperature: Performs well at 18–32°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C
• Fertiliser: Apply diluted tillandsia fertiliser monthly during active growth

Additional Notes:

• One of the larger Tillandsia species, making it ideal for focal point planting
• Inflorescence can remain colourful for many weeks, even after flowering concludes
• Requires more water than smaller xeric species, especially in warm weather
• Not toxic to pets