Medusa's head air plant
Tillandsia caput-medusae
Medusa's head air plant
- Epiphyte from Central America
- Snake-like curved leaves
- For desert or steppe terrariums
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Description
Tillandsia caput-medusae is an interesting Tillandsia native to Central America. It is often found as an epiphyte in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. Caput-medusae means "head of the Medusa", because the leaves are snake-like shaped. These are grey-green, densely covered with scales and arranged in a rosette that thickens at the base. In the flowering season (May), the plant bears very attractive, strong blue-violet flowers and pink bracts. The flowers are arranged in spikes.
This species is a so-called myrmecophyte. This means that in its natural environment, it serves as a shelter for certain ant species. In return, the ants provide the plant with important nutrients. In cultivation, however, ants are not necessary.
T. caput-medusaeis counted among the "grey tillandsia" type. 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 adhesive roots. In culture, such tillandsias are tied or glued to solid materials such as wood or stones. The species prefers a very light, airy place. Spray the plants about two to three times a week with soft water dripping wet. Dipping is also possible. After watering, the plant should be allowed to dry off.
Ideally, an orchid and Tillandsia fertiliser should be added every second watering during spring and summer.
As with almost all Tillandsia species, T. caput-medusae also forms several pups at its base after flowering.
These can be carefully separated when they reach a size of about one third of the mother plant. If they are not separated, they grow together to form a larger clump.
This wonderful and unusual Tillandsia can grow to a height of 15 - 40 cm. The plants supplied range in size from approx. 5 cm (S variant) to approx. 25 cm (XL variant). It can be wonderfully integrated into a small or medium sized desert or steppe terrarium.
Profile
| Tillandsia caput-medusae | |
| Cultivation options | Epiphytic (tying on, sticking) |
| Growth height | approx. 8 - 12 cm |
| Temperature | approx. 20 - 27 °C |
| Humidity | approx. 60 % |
| Light requirement | Bright to sunny, no direct sun at noon |
| Watering | Depending on location, in summer spray daily with lime-free water dripping wet, in winter 1 - 2 times per week |
| Fertilising | In spring and summer, with every second watering, orchid or Tillandsia fertiliser |
| Propagation | Formation of pups after blooming |
| Suitable for | Desert and dry terrariums |
| Other | Flower: Blue-purple blossoms, pink bracts |
| Cultivation options |
| Epiphytic (tying on, sticking) |
| Growth height |
| approx. 8 - 12 cm |
| Temperature |
| approx. 20 - 27 °C |
| Humidity |
| approx. 60 % |
| Light requirement |
| Bright to sunny, no direct sun at noon |
| Watering |
| Depending on location, in summer spray daily with lime-free water dripping wet, in winter 1 - 2 times per week |
| Fertilising |
| In spring and summer, with every second watering, orchid or Tillandsia fertiliser |
| Propagation |
| Formation of pups after blooming |
| Suitable for |
| Desert and dry terrariums |
| Other |
| Flower: Blue-purple blossoms, pink bracts |
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
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