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Loamy Balboa is a Tillandsia velutina, commonly called Velvet air plant.

5 sunbeams · 1 sunburst — Log in to react or follow. 3 followers.

Timeline

  1. Public damp_goblin

    New leaf unfurled this morning!

    4 sunbeams

  2. Public damp_goblin

    The variegation on the new leaf is unreal.

    3 sunbeams

  3. Public damp_goblin

    Moved closer to the window — seems happier already.

    3 sunbeams

About this plant

Common name Velvet air plant
Scientific name Tillandsia velutina
Sun Bright, indirect light; tolerates gentle morning sun
Water Mist several times a week or soak about 20 minutes weekly; dry fully within a few hours
Soil None — air plant, grows without soil
Nickname Loamy Balboa

Fun facts

  • The species name velutina means "velvety," after the dense coat of tiny scales (trichomes) that covers its leaves.
  • Its leaves can blush crimson in bright light even before the red-bracted bloom stalk appears.
  • Like all air plants, it drinks through its leaves; the roots serve only to anchor it to a branch or rock.

Photos

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Living wall

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