Tillandsia velutina /tɪˈlænd.zi.ə ˌvɛl.uːˈtiː.nə/
Common name: Velvet air plant
Tillandsia velutina is an epiphytic air plant in the bromeliad family, native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows on trees in warm, humid forests. It forms a graceful rosette of soft, silvery-green leaves whose dense coating of trichomes gives them a distinctly velvety feel. In bright light the foliage can flush crimson, and at bloom time it sends up a stalk with bright red bracts and royal purple flowers.
Care summary
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
Water interval
Water about every 7 days
Soil
None — air plant, grows without soil
Hardiness
Zones 9–11
Mature height
10–15 cm (4–6 in)
Pet safe
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
By offsets (pups) that form after flowering
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.
