Tillandsia funckiana

Tillandsia funckiana is a distinctive species within the Bromeliaceae family, native to the mountainous regions of Venezuela and Colombia. This air plant is particularly noted for its unusual, almost pine-needle-like foliage and the vivid scarlet to orange tubular flowers it produces. It grows in steep, rocky habitats where it clings to surfaces using its wiry roots and thrives in full sun and brisk air currents. Its natural habitat lies at elevations between 500 to 2,000 metres, where temperatures are cooler and humidity fluctuates with altitude.

Distinctive features:

• Produces striking, flame-coloured tubular flowers
• Leaves are fine, needle-like and curve in a spiral pattern along the stem
• Typically grows in clusters due to rapid offsetting
• Prefers airy, high-altitude environments with strong light
• Compact size makes it suitable for mounted displays

Care Tips:

• Light: Requires bright light to full sun; prefers east or south-facing windowsills indoors
• Water: Mist several times weekly or soak briefly twice per week; allow to dry fully between waterings
• Humidity: Adapts to moderate humidity but appreciates regular airflow
• Media: Mount on wood, cork, or stone with no soil required
• Temperature: Ideal range is 10–26°C; tolerates cooler nights
• Fertiliser: Use diluted tillandsia or orchid fertiliser monthly during active growth

Additional Notes:

• May flower multiple times from a single clump if offsets mature at different intervals
• Displays best when grown mounted rather than kept in containers
• Not known to be toxic to pets