Tillandsia For Soc

[gonzer]

B) Ms. Lector, yer tectorum's come from way high up in the Andes Mountains where the 'fluff' (called trichomes) is used to suck moisture out of the air and protect the plant from UV rays so high up in altitude. Rule of thumb for Tillandsia raising; the heavier the coating of 'fluff', the less water they need. Facto-ipso, mine only get wet twice a month. So, lay off the daily misting. The first picture is 3 clumps that started from one plant years ago; the second is the stem forming variety called a caulescent plant. Don't know if you can see the bloom in the first pic on the top clump?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v113/gonzer/HPIM0216.jpg[/img]]gonzer ([img)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v113/gonzer/HPIM0218.jpg[/img]]gonzer ([img)

[SilenceOfTheClams]

:D Thanks Gonz! When I misted.... I just wet the spanish moss that surrounds the base of the tilli so I guess I've done no harm... BUT the skies just opened up here and we had a flash downpour so there ya have it! LOL! Mine is definately the first of the two photos you've posted.... (remember last year when you posted your "wall" and I saw that clump of cuties you had tethered to a post??? LOL! THOSE were THESE! SCORE!!!!!!!!!) I'll download a post the colorful lil cutie that is pushing some bloomers in a bit. I THINK Mexico was the home base for that one. THANKS for your help! I suspect no FEEDING is them required huh? :D

[gonzer]

B) You've got it right about fertilizing Hanibal. These plants come from such a nutrient-deficient zone that they've adapted to live on the barest of 'food'. Now, don't keep misting the Spanish Moss. This will only keep the base of the plant wet and lead to rot. When you mist ( I prefer a once-a-month-hose-down), it is the leaves that transport the water and minerals, not the roots as in most plants. I know the Moss looks cool but in reality it can be the enemy! Better to hang it by string or wire attached to the base. Here's a pic of a relative called T. plumosa with the trichomes visible against the sky. This is how you want the 'fluff' to appear at all times except after a watering.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v113/gonzer/HPIM0229.jpg[/img]]gonzer ([img)

[SilenceOfTheClams]

GOTCHYA GONZ!!!!!!! THANKS :wub: :wub: :wub:

[SilenceOfTheClams]

Haven't hung it up yet Gonz.. but thought I'd steal someone else's idea and plunk it down in a shell by the pond for the meantime.... LOL! It's like a yard pet now! He travels with me! :lol:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/SilenceOfTheClams/BSPosts/IMG_3264.jpg

[MrSeedy]

I just love those, but I think our excessive rains at times during the summer might make them difficult to grow here in the average summer.

[SilenceOfTheClams]

I know what you mean MrS... lol... we had rains the other day.. and before the sky opened up I had to dash out there and move my Tillie Pet to a place under a garden table so it DIDN'T get soaked!!! The last thing it needs is to rot while in my care! I just LOVE that lil dude! :wub: