Tillandsia  Brachycaulos abdita

Tillandsia - Velutina

                                          ID#689

 

Brachycaulos Abdita grows in dry woods and deserts in Mexico and Central America at elevations of 600-1,200 meters. It is a widespread species. Thrives under high light conditions, and it often blushes a rosy pink when light is combined with a humid environment. This species roots readily to a mounting substrate. The color can vary from moss to silver-green to an almost mauve.  During blooming period, just a day or two, the color of the entire plant changes to cherry.  After blooming, it loses much of its red color. At this point one should soon find two or three pups coming forth, heralding the next generation.

HEIGHT X SPREAD: clump

PLANT TYPE: epiphytes
GROWTH RATE: Moderate, faster with high light.
TEXTURE: bold, firm
LIGHT: filtered light. It grows best with strong light and commensurate watering.

WATER: mist or spray at least once a week, more often in summer months. Plant should not stay wet more than 4 hours at a time.

SOIL: N/A
As observed in Coastal NC.
BLOOMS: colors dramatically with onset of the flowering cycle if it is provided with bright light. From the small floral head nestled in the centre of the leaves, deep violet blooms emerge.
FRUIT  AND  SEED:  After blooming, it loses much of its red color. At this point one should soon find two or three pups coming forth, heralding the next generation. Separate pups or keep as clump.
KEY FEATURES:  stem-less, long leaves form a spreading rosette that is about 25 cm x 12 cm tall at maturity.
A year cycle in the life of ...... at Mooring Hitch
These plants are commonly found in conservatories I have visited. Grown in combination with orchids.

Plant hangs on a in-house made wire basket on metal trellis. Basket is just a mean to hold plant in place, it provides great air circulation.
August 2012, mounted in Wood trellis B
-Second plant 3/6/2013 mounted in Wood trellis D
          Mooring Hitch Gardens       
 

March 2013

May   2012

Additional Information:  purchased at Pinecone Perennials, New Bern, NC (supplier: Russell’s Bromeliad’s (407)656-5541

March  2012

In bloom. May 20,  2012

August 2012