Tillandsia stricta

Tillandsia stricta is a charming and widely distributed air plant native to Brazil, Paraguay, and parts of northern Argentina. It thrives in warm, humid environments and is often found nestled in coastal forests or inland woodlands, frequently growing on trees or rocks. This species is particularly known for its soft, green to grey-green leaves and its rapid lifecycle, often completing flowering and seed production in a short timeframe. It produces a striking inflorescence with pink to magenta bracts and delicate violet flowers that emerge sequentially. Tillandsia stricta is one of the more variable species within the genus, with natural forms differing in leaf texture, size, and flower hue depending on locality.

Distinctive features:

• Compact rosette with soft, slightly curling leaves
• Inflorescence has rosy pink bracts and short, tubular violet flowers
• Leaves range from green to silvery-grey depending on trichome density
• Fast to mature compared to many other Tillandsias
• Varieties can differ subtly in shape and colouring

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; tolerates filtered morning sun
• Water: Mist 2–4 times a week, or soak briefly depending on humidity
• Humidity: Benefits from moderate to high humidity (above 50%)
• Media: Best grown mounted or in a well-ventilated basket
• Temperature: Ideal between 15°C and 30°C; avoid prolonged cold
• Fertiliser: Use a bromeliad or orchid fertiliser monthly, diluted

Additional Notes

• Can produce offsets (pups) soon after blooming
• Good candidate for beginners due to its adaptability
• Blooms only once per plant; offsets continue the cycle
• Non-toxic to pets