Frequently Asked Questions
TILLANDSIAS
Is it true that tillandsias die after flowering?
Not exactly; a tillandsia often takes years to flower. After that, its life cycle as a mother plant comes to an end. However, before it dies, usually even before flowering, one or more offsets, called pups, begin to form at its base. You can either carefully remove them when they are about 1/3 the size of the mother plant, or you can let the plants grow together to form an increasingly larger cluster over the years, as they do in nature.
Which tillandsias are best suited for my tropical terrarium?
Green species are best. You can find a large selection HERE in our online shop. We also have a selection of suitable bromeliads for this purpose.
Which tillandsias are best suited for a bright, warm location?
Gray/silver species are best. You can find a large selection under the category gray tillandsias HERE in our online shop.
How do I best attach my plants to a branch or similar?
We recommend using a plant-friendly, waterproof, and fast-drying glue, wire, or a plastic band, such as a strip of synthetic pantyhose. An example of such glue can be found HERE in our shop. Biological ties that can rot over time or hot glue that can severely burn the plant are not suitable.
What fertilizer is best for my plants?
We recommend our own fertilizer, which you can also get HERE in our shop. This is specifically tailored to the needs of epiphytes (orchids and bromeliads like tillandsias), and we have been using it in our nursery for years with excellent results.
What water should I use?
Soft rainwater is best. Too much lime in the water creates deposits that can remain on the leaves and clog the trichomes. As a result, the plant can dry out despite regular watering because it can no longer absorb water through the trichomes. If you do not have rainwater available, we recommend still mineral water or soft tap water, preferably mixed with a little distilled water. Only distilled water is not recommended because it can leach important nutrients from the tillandsias through a process called exosmosis.
How do I best water tillandsias?
A very good method is to soak the tillandsias once a week for about an hour in a sufficiently large container of water. Make sure that the water covers the plant as completely as possible. Another good method, especially if you have many tillandsias or they are part of an arrangement that cannot be easily soaked in water, is to mist them. This mimics the natural fog in their native habitat. If you only mist, you should naturally mist the plants more frequently than if you soak them. We recommend misting every 2-3 days depending on the species, season, and location, and soaking about once a week. In both cases, it is important that the plant can dry sufficiently afterward, especially that no water remains permanently in the leaf axils, as the plant will otherwise begin to rot quickly.
ONLINESHOP
Is there a minimum order value?
No, there isn’t. If you wish, we can also send you a single Tillandsia.
What does 'protected species/CITES' mean?
Some few Tillandsia species in our shop are subject to the protection of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from 1973, also known as the Washington Convention. The core principle of the convention is the precautionary principle, which states that trade in specimens or products of a species may only take place if it is not detrimental to the survival of the species. Here, "trade" refers only to trade between different states (i.e., particularly exports and imports), not trade within a state.
Currently, this applies to the four species Tillandsia kammii, Tillandsia harrisii, Tillandsia mauryana, and Tillandsia xerographica. These four species may only be traded within the EU without a CITES certificate. Three of these species can be found as our own cultivations in our shop. As a licensed cultivation operation, we receive a CITES certificate for export. This is only worthwhile for our customers with correspondingly large purchase quantities.
Are the different species labeled?
Each different plant receives a label with the correct botanical name. Exceptions are the starter sets. If a label accidentally comes off and you cannot assign the plant, we are happy to assist you with any queries.
Will I receive care instructions for my plants?
Yes, every plant order includes care instructions in German and English.
I live nearby, can I also pick up my plants in person?
Yes, this is possible with prior arrangement. Please contact us BEFORE your order, and we will set up the option for free shipping in your customer profile so that you do not have to pay shipping costs.
Is it possible for individuals to shop on-site?
Our nursery is generally open only to commercial resellers with a business license in everyday operations. However, about twice a year, the regional group of the German Bromeliad Association meets at our nursery, and during this event, it is open for shopping and visits to the participants. You can find out the next date either on our website or by contacting the DBV. Sometimes registrations are required.
What is a Phytosanitary Certificate and why do I need it?
A Phytosanitary Document is a document that replaces the EU plant passport in trade with third countries (i.e., outside the EU). It confirms that a shipment meets the plant health import requirements of a country. It is used according to the International Plant Protection Convention for most plants, plant products, and other regulated items traded internationally. A plant health certificate is issued upon request at the plant protection service of the competent state of the country of origin. Shipments are inspected by employees of the plant protection services, known as plant health inspectors, for prohibitions and restrictions, as well as for the presence of diseases and pests, especially quarantine pests. Customers within the EU do not need this phytosanitary certificate.
What if my plants arrive damaged?
This happens very rarely but cannot be completely avoided. If, contrary to expectations, a plant arrives damaged, please simply contact us, and we will either send you a replacement, provide you with a voucher, or refund your money. We leave this entirely up to you.
How long are the vouchers valid?
Our voucher codes generally have a validity of three years. Note: Each code is valid only once.
A discount code/voucher code is not accepted; what could be the reason?
Did you pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters? Did you perhaps make a typo? If you still have issues, please feel free to contact us via email or phone.
Can I get better conditions as a commercial reseller?
Yes, we offer attractive discounts for resellers and dealers. Please feel free to contact us via email for this.
Who are the shipping service providers?
We work with DHL gogreen and DHL Premium.
What are the shipping costs?
We charge a flat rate of €4.95 within Germany, €18 for European countries, and €30 for any third country worldwide, plus VAT.
How does shipping work in winter?
In winter, we generally work with bubble wrap, additionally using double-walled boxes and, if necessary, heat packs. During extremely cold periods, we have also suspended shipping for a week. However, you will be informed accordingly as a customer.
Can I also order from abroad?
Yes, together with our shipping service providers, we ship not only to European countries but worldwide.
What payment options do I have?
Currently, we offer payment via PayPal and prepayment.
How long does shipping usually take?
Within Germany, it usually takes 1-3 working days, and longer for international shipping, depending on the destination country. You will receive a tracking number from our shipping service provider, provided you agreed to this when ordering.