Bulbosa air plant is an exceptionally gorgeous Tillandsia plant with a colorful, appearance, and green, “spiraling” leaves. The plant is a beauty when displayed in a terrarium sitting on the coffee table. If you want to know more about Tillandsia Bulbosa flower, propagation, and other details of the plant, keep on reading!
Classification
- Family: Bromeliaceae
- Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
- Genus: Tillandsia
About the Genus Tillandsia
Tillandsia plants are called air plants because of their ability to survive on nutrients and moisture directly from their surroundings, i.e., the air. These plants have tiny trichomes on their leaves, which absorb the moisture and food from the plant’s surface.
The genus has more than 700 species, all of them adapted to different conditions and diverse environments. You can find some species living near the mountains and down the swamps and others growing in the tropical areas.
These plants are incredibly lightweight and have a parachute-like structure. When they bloom, they grow yellow, purple, and red flowers during the blooming seasons of spring and summer. Their primary method of reproduction is through pollinators like moths, hummingbirds, and sometimes even bats.
Origin and Distribution
The plants of the Tillandsia genus come from the deserts, forests, and mountains of North America and the southeast of the United States. Some of them also originate from the Caribbean and areas of Mesoamerica. The Bulbosa Air plant is typically from Central America, southern Mexico, and West Indies. Some of the eastern and northern areas of South America also withhold this species.
Bulbosa Air Plant Features
Foliage and Stem
The base of a plant includes several small bulbs. This air plant grows spikes and long, curly, straw-like structures in all directions. These straws are green in color, and they are the entire foliage of the plant. Each of these leaves is 15 to 25 cm in length.
Evergreen
Another reason why these plants are excellent as ornamental is that they are evergreen. It means that the passing seasons and months don’t affect the plant, and it looks just the way it’s supposed to throughout the year.
Height
This little plant can reach up to 25 to 35 cm in length, making it perfect to be an ornamental plant for Window sills, shelves, and coffee tables.
Temperature Tolerance
Even though these plants are quite tolerant of warmer temperatures, they don’t like frosty environments. Hence, remember that these plants are not temperature tolerant and keep them in the right care according to the environment.
Humidity Tolerance
Tillandsia Bulbosa plants like to stay hydrated, which is why even though they can live with low humidity, they appreciate efforts to boost the air moisture around them.
Flowers
The Tillandsia Bulbosa flower is a beautiful red color striking bold against the green leaves. Tillandsia Bulbosa blooms during the springs and summer seasons.
Drought-resistance
Moderate needs for humidity and watering is evident that these plants are not entirely like succulents. However, that does not mean it’ll completely collapse under drought-like conditions either.
Pressure Tolerance
Even though it might look like it’s tough, it can take acute or long-term pressure. Being stepped on or living in a close space is not well for a Bulbosa Air plant.
Disease and Pest Resistance
Aphids are a common pest problem with these plants. To solve this issue, you must isolate the plant immediately and spray an appropriate insecticide on it. Ensure that you use an appropriate amount since it is a chemical, after all, and can damage the plant or you.
Growth
A Bulbosa Air plant is a relatively slow-growing species. A Tillandsia plant grows into its mature size in roughly 2 to 4 years.
Toxicity
Tillandsia Bulbosa is not necessarily toxic, but ingesting a plant is always risky, especially if you fertilize it or use insecticides.
Durability
A perennial life cycle means that these plants are quite durable and can live for several years.
Maintenance
Overall, these plants are very low-maintenance as they do not require any extra efforts, time, or money in their care. They are perfect for gardening beginners who don’t want to risk high profile plants.
Dormancy
Tillandsia Bulbosa becomes dormant during winter and late autumn. During this time, the plant stops responding to food and water and does not grow. It is best to wait it out and not propagate it during this time frame.
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Bulbosa Air plant Care
Bulbosa air plant care is no different from the other Tillandsia plants; they require humidity, generous weekly watering, mellow sunlight, and no soil whatsoever. They like to grow in warm environments, you don’t have to repot them unless you feel it appropriate, and you don’t have to prune them either.
Tillandsia Bulbosa Watering Requirements
There are three ways to water a Tillandsia Bulbosa. You can mist it generously about 3 to 7 times weekly or submerge the plant in water 2 to 4 times weekly. Or, you can soak the Tillandsia in water for a couple of hours once weekly.
However, it is essential that you remember to shake all the excess water off after Tillandsia Bulbosa watering since accumulating water can lead to rot and diseases.
Sunlight Requirements
Early morning and late afternoon sunlight is the best outdoor time for these plants. Otherwise, prefer keeping them indoors in the shade, under artificial controlled lights, or in a well-lit room with indirect sunlight.
Temperature
Tillandsia Bulbosa care involves warm temperatures and temperate environments for the plant, roughly 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Just avoid any sudden fluctuations in the environment.
Soil
The best thing about air plants is that they do not need any soil to live. You can put them among sand, rocks, shells, and sea glass. Just make sure you keep the plant away from absorptive surfaces and materials such as mows or soil.
Humidity
Moderate amounts of humidity never did any wrong to this species. You can mist it occasionally, or frequently, as the plant needs it. Just make sure that you give the Bulbosa plant proper air circulation so that no moisture stays on the surface for a more extended period.
Grooming and Pruning
You don’t necessarily have to prune the plant. You just need to take care that it stays healthy, clean, and dry by misting it with water and then wiping it clean to remove dust, germs, and other unwanted materials from the plant’s surface.
Cultivation and Propagation
As discussed at the beginning, Tillandsia plants reproduce by pollination. However, there are a few other ways of propagation as well. There are two: layering and sowing.
- Choose a mature Tillandsia Bulbosa and ensure that it is entirely safe and healthy before propagation begins.
- Remove the Bulbosa plant from its current container and dunk it in water.
- Do not remove the air plant from the container filled with water until it is entirely hydrated.
- Once it has absorbed all the water that it needs, you can remove the plant. Now, shake off the excess water.
- Lay the Tillandsia on to a flat surface and spread apart the leaves until you can see the tiny pups along the base.
- Slowly, carefully, and gently start pulling at the base.
- Remove the plant’s pups and separate them.
- You may now put the Tillandsia back into its old container or repot it.
- As for the pups, you can place them in a suitable terrarium or container in a warm, well-lit, humid environment.
- Mist the baby plant frequently and regularly and make sure it grows nice and well. Do it twice a day and avoid misting the plant during the night.
Timeline
Week 1: Put the pup in an appropriate container. Water it as frequently as appropriate.
Months 12-20: Your pup can grow a maximum of 1 inch within the first couple of years of cultivation.
Years 2-4: After the initial few years, the plant shows relatively healthier and faster growth, fully developing in about four years.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Bulbosa Air plant is a beautiful little botanical masterpiece. It looks gorgeous, sitting in a terrarium or hanging in a basket. These Tillandsia plants are extremely easy to take care of and even to propagate indoors. Moreover, they’re not even toxic to plants or humans, so you can put them wherever you want.
