Tillandsia neglecta var. rubra
Tillandsia neglecta originates from the coastal regions of Brazil, particularly from the Atlantic rainforest near Rio de Janeiro. It was described by John Gilbert Baker in 1896.
The specific name "neglecta" means "neglected" or "overlooked" – presumably a reference to the fact that this species remained largely unnoticed for a long time despite its beauty.
The variety Tillandsia neglecta var. rubra also comes from the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil, just like the typical form. It was described as a color-intensive variant of the well-known Tillandsia neglecta. The addition "rubra" refers to the striking reddish coloration that this form develops, especially in sunlight. It is very popular among collectors due to its intense colors and robust nature.
Features:
This compact Tillandsia forms rosette-shaped, robust leaf clusters with a pronounced reddish-green base color that can intensify to red or purple with strong light exposure. It grows in a tufted manner similar to the typical form and over time forms dense groups. The flowers show a striking contrast of bright violet tubular flowers and intensely colored bracts.
Care Instructions:
Light: Very bright to full sun, direct sunlight enhances the red coloration.
Water: Spray vigorously 2–3 times a week or briefly submerge. Afterwards, allow to dry well.
Humidity: Medium to high (above 50%), airy location recommended.
Fertilizer: In spring and summer, apply diluted special Tillandsia or orchid fertilizer 1–2 times a month.
Temperature: 16–30 °C, tolerable for short periods down to about 5 °C frost-free.
Note: This variety is excellent for bright windowsills, display cases, or airy arrangements in outdoor areas. It looks particularly attractive in combination with other color-intensive Tillandsias.
Our greenhouses are equipped with modern energy screens and double glazing to efficiently save on heating costs. Additionally, we collect rainwater over the entire roof area of 9,000 square meters and use only this water to irrigate all our crops. We collect the rainwater in underground tanks with a total volume of 600,000 liters.
Since 2007, we have been heating our entire operation with a fully automated 850 kW wood chip heating system and a 100,000-liter buffer storage tank. Environmentally friendly and CO2-neutral. Only to support during very cold winter days and nights is a conventional oil heating system available.
Since 2014, the heating has been supported by a solar thermal system with an annual yield of about 20 megawatt-hours.
In 2020, we installed a photovoltaic system with 30 kW peak and have been producing more green electricity per year than our entire operation requires.
Since 2021, we use exclusively pots for our self-produced plants that are not only 100% recyclable but are also entirely made from recycled pots. To this end, we collect all used pots that arise in our operation and have them picked up in big bags by our pot supplier Göttinger. There, the pots are cleaned and processed in a water-free recycling facility into new pots that come back to us.
