A week or so ago we posted this plant on our Facebook page and it created a lot of interest. Nobody knew what it was. As it turns out it is called Tillandsia Andreana and it is on sale at Collector’s Corner. They are a very rare plant and at $15 you had better be quick !
Here is some information on Tillandsia – the incredible air plant which is actually an epiphyte – a plant that grows non-parasitically on another plant or sometimes even upon some other object. It gets it’s food and moisture from the air.
Thanks to Collector’s Corner for the following information:
The genus Tillandsia is one of the most unusual group of plants to grow as all of them can be cultivated without soil. They utilise the same leaf cells that allow other bromeliads to feed from the central “vase” to absorb water and other nutrients through their leaves.
Many of these plants come form colder regions making them suitable for growing outdoors in Melbourne in bright filtered light i.e, patios, greenhouses, ferneries and even under trees. Some others will require more protection from the cold and can thus be grown in bright room or glasshouse. Many people stick these amazing plants on a piece of wood, gemstone, etc…to great effect using a suitable glue such as Selleys Gelgrip or a waterproof PVA glue.
The current highlight of the amazing collection at Collectors corner is Tillandsia Andreana. Until now, this has been rare in collections in Australia. This plant is like a pincushion, approximately 8 to 10 cm wide, forming a fluffy little ball. It is little cold tender in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs so we suggest that it be grown indoors over winter. When flowering, the leaf tips blush red and is then followed by a striking red flower which appears in the centre of the plant. Stunning!
This plant makes a perfect specimen for growing on a window ledge in your home or office. Stocks are definitely limited and is best to get in fast for this one.
Some other Tillandsia varieties: