Photograph by David Stang, distributed under a CC-BY-SA-4.0 license
Tillandsia brachycaulos
Common Name: Mesic
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Tillandsia
Species: T. brachycaulos
Leaf Color: Green to red
Flower Color: Purple
Height: 4-7″
Width: 10″
Lifespan: Several years
Watering: Mist two or three times per week
Propagation: Seeds and pups
Natural Habitat: Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Tillandsia brachycaulos Care
Also known by its common name, mesic air plant, Tillandsia brachycaulos is a beautiful and easy to grow species of air plant. The leaves of Tillandsia brachycaulos are green to red in color and the flowers are purple. This air plant typically grows to a height of 4-7 inches and a width of 10 inches. Here are some tips on how to care for Tillandsia brachycaulos:
Watering
Mist two or three times per week. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. The leaves on the plant will tell you if it is thirsty – they will start to curl inwards if they need more water.
Soil
No soil is necessary for air plants! They get all the nutrients they need from the air and water.
Lighting
Tillandsia brachycaulos prefers bright, indirect light. If you live in a very sunny climate, you may want to provide some shade for your plant.
Temperature
This air plant can tolerate moderately warm temperatures (typically 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tillandsia brachycaulos prefers moderate humidity. If your home is very dry, you may want to mist the plant more often or set it on a tray of pebbles and water.
Fertilizing
You can easily fertilize your Tillandsia brachycaulos by soaking it in a solution of one part water to one part fertilizer once a month. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for air plants.
Tillandsia brachycaulos Habitat
The Tillandsia brachycaulos is native to Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela. In its natural habitat, it grows on rocks or trees.
Tillandsia brachycaulos Lifespan
If you care for it properly, your Tillandsia brachycaulos can live for several years.
Propagating Tillandsia brachycaulos
Like all other air plants that are part of the Tillandsia genus, Tillandsia brachycaulos can be propagated by seeds or pups.
Tillandsia brachycaulos Toxicity
This air plant is non-toxic to both humans and animals.