Tillandsia fasciculata
epiphytic dry Tillandsia from South America. It does not require soil, thrives well in bright locations, and absorbs moisture through its leaves.
Tillandsia fasciculata is a widespread and impressive species from Central and South America as well as the southern USA (Florida). It was described by Swartz in 1788.
The species name "fasciculata" means "bundled" and refers to the dense rosette formation. Due to its size and striking inflorescence, it is one of the best-known large-growing Tillandsias.
Characteristics:
This species forms large, funnel-shaped rosettes with strong, stiff leaves that can be green to gray depending on the location. The tall inflorescence is usually simple or slightly branched and displays bright red, orange, or yellow bracts. The tubular flowers are violet to blue. It is highly variable, with numerous natural forms and local varieties.
Care Instructions:
Light: Very bright to sunny – with plenty of light, the inflorescence develops particularly intense coloring.
Water: Spray vigorously or soak 2-3 times per week. The leaf rosette should be allowed to dry completely.
Humidity: Medium to high (50-70%) – tolerates temporarily drier air if water supply is good.
Fertilizer: We recommend using our special Tillandsia or orchid fertilizer in diluted form 1-2 times per month in spring and summer.
Temperature: 18-30 °C, relatively robust – tolerates short-term temperatures down to about 10 °C, as long as there is no frost.
Note: Very decorative as a solitary plant on larger branches, in airy baskets, or mounted on stone. Ideal for experienced keepers with space for large-growing, flower-strong species.
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.
