T. Hybrid No. 1 Air Plants, Approximately 4-6"
Tillandsia Hybrid 1, also known as T. Houston "cotton candy", is a cross between a Stricta and Recurvifolia. T. Hybrid 1 is a medium sized air plant. It's leaves are a silvery light green color that are firm and pointed. When in bloom, T. Hybrid 1 will display a cotton candy pink inflorescence and bright white flowers. It's optimal temperature is 75 +/- 10, with tolerance for higher temperatures and humidity. They appreciate bright stippled sunny areas of lighting.
From Green to Blush
T. Hybrid 1 is a medium sized air plant with a firm dense rosette of smooth-edged straight leaves. They display a silvery light green color with prominent trichomes covering the entire length of the leaves. When transitioning into blush, their leaves will begin to change from green to a soft pink color focusing near the bloom.
The leaves are a great indicator for the plants need for water. When underwatered, they may show signs of leaf curling, browning and/or may be dry to the touch. Care must be taken to ensure water does not pool in its base, as this will cause rot. Good air flow will assist with drying and turning the plant upside down after watering will prevent water from pooling.
Bud Formation & Blooms
T. Hybrid No. 1 blooms from early spring through late summer. They have a long lasting bloom with shades of rose and pink followed by an impressive bloom displaying a large pink colored inflorescence and many bright white flowers.
Their flowers can be enjoyed for several days and will then begin to dry up over the next couple of weeks until the entire inflorescence has completely dried out. At this point you can trim the inflorescence for aesthetic purposes or leave it as is.
Fertilizing your Tillandsia with The Drunken Gnome's Bromeliad & Air Plant Food will help encourage budding and brighter blooms.
Reproduction & Propagation
T. Hybrid No. 1 have a life cycle of growing to maturity and then blooming. Before, during or after blooming the T. Hybrid No. 1 will start producing new baby plants called offsets, which are also known as pups. On average it will produce between 1 - 4+ pups.
The pups will obtain nutrients from the mother plant as she ends her lifecycle. If left to colonize, they will continue to grow to maturity, bloom and reproduce, forming a clump.
They can also be separated into individual plants once the pups grow to 1/3 or half the size of the mother plant. A gentle tug and twist will not hurt the plants as you remove the pups.
Receiving Your Airplant
No matter what stage your T. Hybrid No. 1 is in at the time of arrival, it will continue to grow and change over time.
Once you receive your new air plant(s), it's important to give them a good soaking and acclimate them to their new environment.
Take care of your air plants and provide for them by nourishing them with adequate sunlight, airflow, water and nutrients and they will reward you for years to come!
Please Note* Air plant size, color and growth stage may vary slightly according to availability.