The Tillandsia bulbosa, commonly known as the bulbous air plant, originated in Central and South America and is part of the bromeliad family. Its common name derives from its roundish base. It has long, thin leaves that curl around its stem and looks like a small, green onion.
Given that it’s an air plant, it takes in water through trichomes
, making it super easy when it comes to watering.
This plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants or objects instead of in soil.
The Tillandsia bulbosa is low maintenance. It prefers bright, indirect light and as previously noted, is easy to water, making it a good plant for beginners.
So, if you’re looking for a unique plant to add to your collection, the Tillandsia bulbosa is a good choice that will add a touch of tropical beauty to your home.
Table of Contents
Snapshot
| Common names | Bulbous air plant |
| Botanical name | Tillandsia bulbosa |
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Water | Light misting a few times a week |
| Potting Soil | N/A |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Basic Care Tips
Light Requirements
You can’t go wrong placing this plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light.
Make sure not to expose it to direct light for extended periods, as this can cause it to dry up and die.
This is a plant that will respond favorably to grow lights, so, if you don’t have the right spot at home, using a grow light would be a good option.
Watering Needs
Watering your Tillandsia bulbosa couldn’t be easier. Give it a light spritz of water from a spray bottle or a mister a couple of times per week, and your plant will be good.
Whenever you spritz your plant, be sure to turn it upside down to dry it, otherwise, water will remain on the leaves and trickle to the base which can potentially result in rot.
Alternatively, you can water your plant by immersing it in water and leaving it in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes per week. Again, turn your plant upside down to dry, to ensure there’s no water left on the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Tillandsia bulbosa is an air plant and as such, doesn’t grow in soil.
Temperature and Humidity
Typical indoor temperatures between 65 °F and 76 °F (18 °C and 25°C) are preferred, in addition to high humidity levels of between 45% and 70%.
To keep the humidity levels high, consider using a plant humidifier.
Displaying your Tillandsia bulbosa
There are so many options for displaying your Tillandsia bulbosa, such as:
- Inside an air plant terrarium
- In a pebble tray, placed on a table or shelf
- Hanging from a piece of string or wire
In addition, take a look at these creative ways to display air plants.
Fertilizing Needs
In general, while fertilizing air plants isn’t essential, it can stimulate new growth and add nutrients.
So, how do you fertilize your Tillandsia bulbosa, given that there’s no soil?
Well, one method is misting liquid fertilizer directly onto your plant. Alternatively, you can soak your plant in fertilizer, diluted with water.
Here are some tips for fertilizing air plants.
Propagating
It’s very simple to propagate your Tillandsia bulbosa.
At the base of your plant, you’ll notice “babies” AKA offsets. Once they’re about half the size of the mother plant, you can remove them by gently twisting or pulling some of them, being careful not to damage them or the mother plant.
Decide how you want to display them. Then place your offsets in a location that gets bright, indirect light, and continue with regular care.
Common Issues
Not enough airflow
Given that this is an air plant, adequate air flow around your Tillandsia bulbosa is vital. Poor airflow can result in plant death or rot. If you’re displaying your plant in a terrarium, make sure that it’s an open one or one that contains air holes for better circulation. A few other options to consider are placing a fan near your plant or opening the windows so your plant can get some fresh air.
Rot
If your plant’s base is mushy or you can pluck the leaves from the base with little effort, it’s likely that rot has developed. As previously mentioned, it’s important to dry your plant upside down when spritzing it, so that water doesn’t remain on the leaves and trickle to the base, resulting in rot.
Toxicity
This plant is considered to be non-toxic.
Questions
Is this a fast-growing plant?
No, the Tillandsia bulbosa is not a fast-growing plant. It will take several years for the plant to reach its full size.
What is the full size of this plant?
The Tillandsia bulbosa can grow to be about 7 inches tall (18 cm).
Conclusion
As you can see, the Tillandsia bulbosa is not only beautiful, but it’s also a low-maintenance plant. With its long, thin leaves that curl around its stem, the Tillandsia bulbosa is a stunning plant that is sure to provide some visual interest. So, if you are looking for a unique plant to add to your collection, the Tillandsia bulbosa is a good choice. Give this plant a try, and you won’t be disappointed!