Family: Bromeliad
Sub-Family: Tillandsioideae:
Genus: Tillandsia
Sub-Genus:
Native distribution and habitat: Grows epiphytically in dry open scrub and woodlands in Ecuador and Peru at elevations from 200 - 900 m. The small form is found in Peru.
Growth habit: As it matures, the plant forms an open rosette about 70 mm in diameter. Over time it can form large impressive clumps.
Foliage: The plant has rather short stiff leaves.
Flowers: The erect inflorescence is an attractive red colour, while the 4 - 8 tubular flowers have purple petals.
Seed:
Pups: The pups from at the end of long, thick stolons which form a satellite
formation around the mother plant.
Cultivation: In warmer weather mist frequently but in cooler winter periods
keep dry or it can rot from the base. Rauh found - Despite its abundant occurrence
in its native habitat, Vriesea espinosae is not easy to cultivate, at least in Europe. Unlike other bromeliads that may be found growing in the same areas, this Vriesea needs a long period of acclimatization.
Availability: A rare plant, not very often available.
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