Tillandsia exserta

Tillandsia exserta is a rarer, attractive species from the genus Tillandsia, originally found in Mexico and parts of Central America. It grows epiphytically on trees in warm, seasonally dry regions. The species name 'exserta' (prominent) refers to the distinctly protruding inflorescence, which makes this species particularly characteristic.

Characteristics:

Tillandsia exserta forms a compact to medium-sized rosette of firm, gray-green to silvery leaves densely covered with trichomes. The leaves are narrow, slightly curved, and appear more robust than soft overall. The inflorescence is upright, clearly extending above the rosette, and bears colored bracts from which violet to blue flowers emerge. After flowering, the plant usually produces several offsets.

Care Instructions:

Light: bright to very bright; some direct morning or evening sun is well tolerated
Water: regularly mist or briefly soak; in summer 2–4 times per week, in winter much less often; always allow to dry well
Humidity: prefers medium to higher humidity with good air circulation
Fertilizer: in spring and summer 1–2 times per month with our special Tillandsia or orchid fertilizer in diluted form
Temperature: ideally 18–30 °C, temporarily warmer; in winter not below 12–14 °C

Note: Tillandsia exserta is particularly well-suited for mounting on wood or cork. It is important to ensure very good ventilation, as the species is sensitive to permanently moist conditions.