The air plant Tillandsia Streptophylla is a favorite among enthusiasts. It immediately draws the eye due to its lovely silky leaves and curling hair. They are reasonably simple to cultivate because they don’t need a lot of water, especially if you want to preserve those lovely curls, and they look fantastic in hanging patterns and in containers. (More water = more open, straight leaves).
Name
Because of its curly mane of leaves, the Tillandsia Streptophylla is often referred to as Shirley Temple. This unusual and curly variety of Tillandsia is known by the term “Streptophylla,” which means “with twisted leaves” and thrives in dry environments. The leaves form tight ringlets as they become drier. This lovely plant develops a stunning, pink flower that is covered in trichomes.
Scientific Name
The Greek terms strepto, which means twisted, and phylla are combined to form the scientific name “Streptophylla,” which refers to the plant (meaning leaves).
Flowers and fragrance
The Streptophylla will tinge reddish pink as it starts to bloom, and it will also release a lovely light pink inflorescence with white buds that are trichome-frosted. Purple blooms will emerge from these white buds. These flower bracts will draw hummingbirds if left outside!
How to Identify
The air plant Tillandsia Streptophylla can be recognized by its curly, atypical shape. It has large, pastel-green leaves. When the leaves become dry, their edges curl outward and create ringlets.
The plants resemble tiny Tillandsia Xerographica quite a little. The central leaves begin pink as they blossom.
The plant develops many bracts and a pink glow. It produces a lot of mauve-colored flowers.
Care Guide
Light
They should be exposed to direct, bright sunshine. A window space with an east or west aspect is appropriate indoors. Although it is acceptable to be outside in partially shaded situations in cooler regions, it is more suited to be within or under cover.
Water Requirement
These plants prefer more sunlight and less regular watering than many other types of air plants because they are xeric species. As water can get caught in the T. streptophylla’s pseudobulb and cause the plant to decay, we advise dunking or sprinkling the plant rather than soaking it. When watering an air plant, always shake out any extra water. These plants will use their remaining energy to generate offsets or pups after blooming.
A plant in a hot location will often need watering every two to three days. In a dim, muggy climate, weekly watering is frequently sufficient. The plant can be misted or submerged to achieve this. Use a hose if you’re outside. When soaking a plant, submerge it in a basin of water for 10 to 20 minutes, then shake off the extra water. Between waterings, air plants prefer to totally dry out, and they must never have water pool at the base of the plant because this will make the plant rot.
Fertilizer
In the summer, once every two weeks, and in the winter, once every month, fertilize your air plants. Air Plant Fertilizer, which can be diluted to make 1L of fertilizer.
Temperature
50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature range for this Tillandsia. The best environment for this species is one that is warm. Additionally, it requires proper airflow and a certain amount of humidity.
Conclusion
A really fascinating species that might be a treasure for individuals who enjoy amassing an air plant collection is Tillandsia Streptophylla. This air plant needs water because its leaves are severely curled into ringlets. The leaves spread out and stay straight with proper watering.
Despite Tillandsia Streptophylla’s reputation for low maintenance requirements, this species is highly susceptible to rotting. It is crucial that this plant is fully dried within 4 hours of being watered. For a contented and healthy air plant, make sure there is no water accumulating between the leaves.
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