Tillandsia juncifolia
Epiphytic tropical Tillandsia from South America. It does not require soil, thrives well in semi-shaded locations, and absorbs moisture through its leaves.
Tillandsia juncifolia originates from Central America and is closely related to Tillandsia juncea. It was originally described as a distinct species but is considered by some botanists to be a form or variety of Tillandsia juncea, thus referred to as Tillandsia juncea var. juncifolia. The name "juncifolia" means "rush-leaved" – fitting for its slender, grass-like appearance.
Characteristics:
Tillandsia juncifolia forms dense rosettes with thin, linear leaves that can appear greenish to bronze. In contrast to Tillandsia juncea, its leaves are often somewhat softer, shorter, and more densely arranged. During flowering, it develops an upright inflorescence with purple tubular flowers. Overall, it appears bushier and more compact than its close relative.
Care Instructions:
Light: Bright to sunny – a spot with plenty of light promotes a compact growth form and vibrant leaf coloration.
Water: Spray 2–3 times a week or occasionally soak. Afterwards, allow to dry completely.
Humidity: Medium to high (50–70%) – good ventilation is important.
Fertilizer: In spring and summer, apply 1–2 times a month with our special Tillandsia or orchid fertilizer in diluted form.
Temperature: 16–30 °C, robust – can withstand frost-free conditions down to about 5 °C for a short time.
Note: Its dense, upright form makes it ideal for modern planters, glass vases, or as a natural accent in airy arrangements. Undemanding and suitable for beginners.
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.
