Tillandsia xerographica
Tillandsia xerographica is one of the most impressive and popular species within the genus. It originates from dry, semi-arid regions of Central America, particularly from Guatemala, El Salvador, and parts of Honduras.
The name "xerographica" means "dry writing" and refers to its adaptation to dry conditions. It was botanically described in 1945.
Characteristics:
This large-growing Tillandsia forms impressive, symmetrical rosettes with broad, silvery-gray leaves that spiral outward. Its dense trichome hair protects it from evaporation. The robust, branched inflorescence can reach up to 50 cm in height and carries bright green to reddish-pink bracts as well as violet tubular flowers. It grows extremely slowly but can live for several decades.
Care Instructions:
Light: Very bright to sunny, direct sunlight is well tolerated.
Water: Spray generously 1–2 times a week or occasionally soak. Afterwards, allow it to dry completely, especially in the center of the rosette.
Humidity: Moderate (from 40%), good air circulation is crucial.
Fertilizer: In spring and summer, fertilize 1–2 times a month with our special Tillandsia or orchid fertilizer in diluted form.
Temperature: 18–32 °C, briefly tolerates down to about 10 °C.
Note: Tillandsia xerographica is excellent as a solitary plant on decorative objects or in airy containers. It is considered a symbol of drought resistance and elegance – ideal for minimalist or modern plant arrangements. Patience in growth pays off with longevity and beauty.
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.
