Family: Bromeliad
Sub-Family: Tillandsioideae:
Genus: Tiandsia
Sub-Genus:
Native distribution and habitat: The plant is an epiphyte and endemic to coastal states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo, Brazil
Growth habit: It is an incredible miniature species. A small stemless plant, it has an intriguing and distinctive shape, which holds it apart from other Tillandsia species. Over time it forms a rosette of 20 – 50 small leaves, with the plant shape resembling a little miniature globe artichoke. When mature it is about 35mm high x 25mm wide
Foliage: The plant produces soft narrow gray green leaves which are erect and tightly packed; they are covered in white powdery trichome scales that give the plant a soft furry appearance. Each triangular tapering leaf is about 20 mm long an 9 mm wide at the base
Flowers: The inflorescence is almost as big as the entire plant and produces rose floral bracts with petals that are the same colour. The inflorescence bears 4 – 10 flowers which open during the day and last for 2 – 3 days.
Seed:
Pups:
Cultivation: In summer the plants prefer protection from hot midday sun and respond to humidity. While they maybe able to tolerate temperatures just above 1°C, they prefer winter temps of 15 -16 °C in winter. Keep dryer during cooler periods.
Availability: Very rare plant - Tillandsia sprengeliana is one of the rarest and most sought after tillandsias. Listed as a protected species on CITES II.
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