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Tillandsia funckiana (Tillandsia funckiana)

Tillandsia andreana is a perennial, evergreen epiphytic herb that typically attaches to surfaces such as trees and can also be grown hanging or secured without soil. It is perennial; the mother plant is reported to gradually decline after flowering while producing basal offsets that continue growth.

LightTillandsia andreana is generally suited to bright indirect light, including strong indirect light, and may accept gentler morning or evening sun; stronger light can shift the foliage toward orange-red or red.
WaterSources differ on watering details, but describe regularly and thoroughly wetting the plant by misting or soaking, then allowing it to dry somewhat. After watering, excess water should be shaken off and the plant allowed
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer high humidity; with few sources, about 60–80 % is reported. It is generally reported to need good airflow.
TemperatureWith few sources, the reported minimum is about 10 °C and the reported maximum is about 28 °C. Sources differ on the ideal temperature range, which is reported from few sources at about 18–26 °C. It is generally frost te
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Overview

Tillandsia andreana is a perennial, evergreen epiphytic herb that typically attaches to surfaces such as trees and can also be grown hanging or secured without soil. It is perennial; the mother plant is reported to gradually decline after flowering while producing basal offsets that continue growth.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, with Venezuela reported. It is reported to inhabit humid environments in Venezuela, growing mainly as an epiphyte on trees and shrubs. It is reported to favor warm conditions with high humidity.

Characteristics

With few sources, mature height is reported at about 0–15 cm and mature spread at about 3–3 cm. The slender, pointed leaves range from green to silvery green and may bear white hairlike scales; they are densely arranged along curved stems and can turn orange to red under very strong light. It is reported to be a flowering plant, and English-language sources treat this taxon as Tillandsia andreana.

Light

Tillandsia andreana is generally suited to bright indirect light, including strong indirect light, and may accept gentler morning or evening sun; stronger light can shift the foliage toward orange-red or red.

Watering

Sources differ on watering details, but describe regularly and thoroughly wetting the plant by misting or soaking, then allowing it to dry somewhat. After watering, excess water should be shaken off and the plant allowed to dry completely, with airflow maintained to reduce the risk of rot or mold.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer high humidity; with few sources, about 60–80 % is reported. It is generally reported to need good airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

With few sources, the reported minimum is about 10 °C and the reported maximum is about 28 °C. Sources differ on the ideal temperature range, which is reported from few sources at about 18–26 °C. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

It is reported not to require soil and can be secured to materials such as bark, branches, or wood, or grown hanging. It is generally grown mounted.

Feeding

Sources differ on feeding, with one report recommending light fertilization using diluted orchid fertilizer sprayed onto the foliage at regular intervals.

Propagation

It is reported that offsets formed after flowering can be used for propagation and separated after they have developed sufficiently; another genus-level source bases separation on sufficient leaf development.

Common problems

Scale insects, spider mites, and mealybugs are reported as possible pests. Sooty mold or crown rot are reported as possible problems. Water retained at the plant base or between leaves can lead to rot, while insufficient airflow can increase mold risk; brown leaf tips or dry patches may also be associated with transport, humidity fluctuations, or excessively strong light. It is reported not to tolerate low temperatures.

Identification

Slender, pointed leaves are densely arranged along the stem, giving the plant an overall appearance resembling a small conifer branch; as it grows, it can form a dense clump of many individuals.

Photos

Tillandsia funckiana
📷 Scott Zona · CC BY 2.0 · source

Sources