Heteromorpha air plant
Tillandsia heteromorpha
Heteromorpha air plant
- Exceptional lithophyte from Peru
- Very attractive blossoms
- Suitable for dry forest and semi-desert terrariums
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Description
Tillandsia heteromorpha is a variable species, native to northern Peru. It is found there in arid regions as a perching plant on vertical rock faces. There is also a variety rauhii with straight, appressed leaves. This grows on the rock faces of the Rio Chancay valley (600-1,000m) in the province of Huaral. Over time, T. heteromorpha develops about 20 - 30 cm long, drooping stems densely covered with leaves. The narrow, grey-green leaves are up to about 5 cm long. The dark violet to white, funnel-shaped flowers are very attractive.
The name heteromorpha means "differently shaped". This very appropriate name emphasises the strong variability of this species.
T. heteromorpha is classified as a "grey tillandsia". These usually come from drier, more exposed places than the so-called green tillandsias. They often grow higher up in the treetops, in dry forests or even in deserts with a lot of fog. These atmospheric plants absorb water and nutrients from rain, mist and dust completely via the many absorbent scales on the leaves. The roots, if still present, serve as an adhesive organ. In culture, such tillandsias are tied or glued to hard materials such as wood or stones. The species prefers a very light, airy place. Spray the plants with soft water about two to three times a week. Dipping is also possible. After watering, the plant should be allowed to dry. Ideally, an orchid and tillandsia fertiliser should be added every second watering during spring and summer.
Like almost all tillandsias, T. heteromorpha also forms several pups at its base after flowering. These can be carefully separated from a size of about one third of the mother plant. If they are not separated, they grow together to form a larger tufts.
This medium-sized tillandsia can be wonderfully integrated into a desert or steppe terrarium. It corresponds to its natural occurrence on vertical rock faces when it hangs down as an older plant with longer stems on stone structures or back walls. However, it can just as well be used as an epiphyte on wood.
Profile
| Tillandsia heteromorpha | |
| Cultivation options | Epiphytic |
| Growth height | Up to 10 - 15 cm; old plants with about 20 - 30 cm long drooping shoots |
| Temperature | approx. 15 - 30 °C |
| Humidity | At least 60 % |
| Light requirement | Bright to sunny, no direct sun at noon |
| Watering | Spray every 2 - 3 days with soft, low-lime water, e.g. rainwater, or dip once a week |
| Fertilising | In spring and summer, with every second watering, orchid or Tillandsia fertiliser |
| Propagation | Formation of pups after blooming |
| Suitable for | Desert or dry terrariums |
| Cultivation options |
| Epiphytic |
| Growth height |
| Up to 10 - 15 cm; old plants with about 20 - 30 cm long drooping shoots |
| Temperature |
| approx. 15 - 30 °C |
| Humidity |
| At least 60 % |
| Light requirement |
| Bright to sunny, no direct sun at noon |
| Watering |
| Spray every 2 - 3 days with soft, low-lime water, e.g. rainwater, or dip once a week |
| Fertilising |
| In spring and summer, with every second watering, orchid or Tillandsia fertiliser |
| Propagation |
| Formation of pups after blooming |
| Suitable for |
| Desert or dry terrariums |
Terrarienpflanzen
Our terrarium plants give every terrarium an individual, natural atmosphere and at the same time provide a healthy environment for all terrarium inhabitants. Our wide range of tropical, subtropical and even arid plants are easy to combine and enhance any terrascape. Whether it's strong succulents, subtle tillandsias, eye-catching neoregelias or wonderful orchids - we offer terrarium plants for different terrascapes from rainforest to desert.
General information
| Item no. |
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| EAN | |
| Weight | 0,01 kg |
| Shipping weight | 0,01 kg |
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