Tillandsia streptophylla
Common Name: Shirley Temple, Curly Slim
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Tillandsia
Species: T. streptophylla
Leaf Color: Silvery or pastel green, fuzzy trichomes
Flower Color: Reddish pink
Height: 6-8″
Width: 2-6″
Lifespan: Several years
Watering: Dunking or mising – remove excess water
Propagation: Seeds and pups
Natural Habitat: Central America, Mexico, West Indies
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Tillandsia streptophylla Care
When growing Tillandsia streptophylla, care for it as you would with most other Tillandsias
Watering
Dunk or mist your Tillandsia streptophylla regularly, allowing it to dry out completely between waterings. If you live in a very hot and humid climate, you may need to water it more often.
Soil
Tillandsias do not need soil to grow. In fact, they will rot if the roots are constantly wet. Therefore, avoid placing your Tillandsia streptophylla in a pot. Instead, mount it on a piece of driftwood or bark, or place it in a terrarium.
Lighting
Tillandsia streptophylla grows best in bright, indirect light. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to provide some afternoon shade.
Temperature
Tillandia streptophylla prefers warm temperatures and will not tolerate frost. If you live in a temperate climate, it is best to grow it indoors.
Fertilizing
Feed your Tillandia streptophylla once a month with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Tillandsia streptophylla Habitat
Tillandsia streptophylla is native to Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies. In its natural habitat, it grows on trees and rocks in humid, tropical climates.
Tillandsia streptophylla Lifespan
With proper care, Tillandsia streptophylla can live for several years.
Tillandsia streptophylla Varieties
There are several varieties of Tillandsia streptophylla. Here are a few of the more popular ones: curly slim, gorgon, and love knot.
Propagating Tillandsia streptophylla
Tillandsia streptophylla can be propagated by seeds or pups.
Propagating by seeds a time-consuming process and it can take several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Propagating by pups is the quickest and easiest way to propagate Tillandsia streptophylla. Pups are small, offsets that form at the base of the plant. When they are about 1/3 the size of the parent plant, they can be carefully removed. Care for the pup as you would a mature plant.
Tillandsia streptophylla Toxicity
Tillandsia streptophylla is non-toxic and safe for humans and animals.