Tillandsia Stricta: Care, Growing Guide, & Facts
Tillandsia Stricta: All You Need To Know
Tillandsia stricta is a widespread air plant species, but that wouldn’t make it any less interesting. They’re a popular option because of their adaptability, and their vivid blossoms make them a lovely addition to any house.
There are many different types of this air plant, so there are many distinct appearances to select from. Soft leaves are found in certain kinds, whereas hard leaves are seen in others.
Plants of the Tillandsia stricta family vary in colour as well as leaf structure. There are many different shades of green, but there is also a type with practically black leaves. Their blossoms come in a variety of colours, including red, pink, blue, and purple.
When it blossoms, the physical flower only lasts for one day. On the other hand, the gorgeous bracts from which these flowers originate will remain vivid and appealing for weeks. They grow up to 6 to 12 inches.
Tillandsia Stricta Care
Tillandsia stricta is a low-maintenance, durable houseplant to add to your collection. They don’t require soil, and proper hydration and ventilation are essential to their well-being. Your plant may eventually repay you with stunning, vivid blossoms.
This happens only after your plant matures, which might take years. Insects like mealybugs and scale may affect these plants sometimes.
Light
Tillandsia stricta, like other air plants, thrives in bright, indirect light. They should be placed in an area that enjoys bright sunshine from a window, but not immediately on the windowsill. Its leaves can be burned if exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Soil
Air plants are unique in that they do not require soil. Avoid the urge to bury it in dirt or moss just for the sake of appearances. This might cause your air plant to rot and die.
Instead, embrace this soil-free plant and set it almost anywhere with adequate ventilation. This might be on a table or desk, hung from a wall or ceiling, encased in a seashell, or framed in a picture frame; the choices are unlimited.
Try fishing line, wire, or even a dab of glue if you want to put it somewhere that requires a little additional support to hold it in place. Simply avoid copper and superglue, as these will destroy your plant.
Water
Because your Tillandsia stricta doesn’t have any soil to drink from, they’ll have to go for a swim to acquire all the water they need. Submerge your air plant in a basin of clean water and soak it for 10 to 30 minutes to achieve this.
If your Tillandsia stricta has a bloom at the time, keep it out of the water to avoid harm. Remove your plant from the water once it has completed soaking and shake off any extra water that has collected in the leaves. After a couple of hours, check to see if your plant has completely dried.
Water that remains in the leaves and core of the plant for an extended period of time might cause rot. When watering your air plant, use springwater, filtered water, or rainwater.
If you can, avoid using tap water, but if you must, let it rest for at least 24 hours before using it. This causes chlorine, which is typically found in tap water, to evaporate.
If you reside in an area where Tillandsia stricta may be grown outside, putting it somewhere where it can get natural rain is a terrific idea. This will organically hydrate your plant and may lessen the need to wet it as frequently.
Temperature and Humidity
If you spray your Tillandsia stricta regularly in between these bigger soaks, it will thank you. This provides the humidity and moisture it craves without being too much for it or causing decay.
It’s a good idea to sprinkle your air plant every day if you live in a hotter or drier region. You may just need to spray every three days or so if you reside in a more humid area. In terms of temperature, most air plants thrive in hot environments.
They can, however, withstand temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain your Tillandsia stricta away from air conditioners and heaters, even if they are robust. These units’ extreme heat or cold might harm or kill your plant.
Tillandsia Stricta Fertilizer
Fertilizer may aid in the development of a healthy, pleasant air plant by encouraging flowering, growth, and the generation of pups. Your Tillandsia stricta, on the other hand, does not require fertiliser and will thrive without it.
Your plant may be burnt or even die if you use too much fertiliser. If you want to stimulate additional development, fertilise once a month with a bromeliad or tillandsia fertiliser.
These are meant to be taken in through the leaves. Common fertiliser is designed to be taken up by the roots of a plant, but air plants do not obtain their nutrients through their roots.
When your Tillandsia stricta is blossoming, fertiliser is extremely beneficial.
How to Grow Tillandsia Stricta?
Propagating your Tillandsia stricta is an easy and interesting way to advance your plant gardening hobby. Your plant will generate pups at the root when it reaches maturity. These young air plants are simple to take out.
1. Sit tight until your pup reaches at least a third of the mother plant’s size.
2. Determine the location of the pup’s attachment to the plant.
3. With a slight twist, gently remove the pup from the mother plant. Grip the pup from the bottom, not the top, to prevent injuring the young plant. A sharp knife or set of snips may be required to cut the pup from the mother if it does not simply pop off.
4. Put the pup in its own well-ventilated, shining light once it has been removed.
Don’t be dismayed if you don’t see any air plants blooming or producing pups right away. Your Tillandsia strict will repay you with colourful flowers and puppies in due time if you give it appropriate care.
