Tillandsia caput-medusae is named after the snake haired, Greek mythological character Medusa. From that time, the plant is mature enough to be tied up like an adult Tillandsia caput-medusae. The shape and form of this species is certainly rare and so the plant is named after this. We currently carry Long-lasting wood varieties such as robinia or yew are perfectly applicable. Tillandsia caput-medusae (which translates to Medusa’s Head air plant) makes a fascinating house plant, not only for its foliage but also for its bright pink flower which appears during the summer months to bring a splash of colour. Display this in our sea urchin air planters or a cute little dish you like! Tillandsia Caput Medusae is one of the hardiest airplant varieties. So please check the leaves for an infestation regularly. Tillandsia Caput Medusae. Furthermore, a bright location is still indispensable. You’ll recognize some members of this group including pineapple and Spanish moss. Tillandsia caput-medusae - Air Plant The Tillandsia caput-medusae is a unique plant in the Tillandsia species. ionantha, 2 x T. velickiana (syn feldhoffii), 3 x T. caput medusae, 3 x T. ionantha var. If you additionally spray your Tillandsia caput-medusae with soft water regularly, there will be no cause for it to complain. This plant grows leaves that look like tendrils in various directions, commonly used for sea urchin creations and crafting. Please use special silicone for natural stone, since this contains only a small amount of acetic acid. Fun fact: these fascinating plants are ageotropic, which means that they will grow straight even when mounted horizontally or upside down. At the latest after 12 to 24 months, the glue has hardened in such an extent, that it will no longer hold the plant. The epiphytic Tillandsia caput-medusae is an easy-care indoor plant, as long as you pay attention to its unorthodox needs. Genus within the family of the Bromeliaceae 2. Since its temperature maximum of 40 degrees Celsius would be rather an exception for the climate in Central Europe, special precautions are not necessary. From spring into summer, flower spikes are produced comprising red bracts from which violet-mauve tubular flowers emerge, Plant range Vine branches, which are gladly used, should be steamed or heated in the run-up in order to destroy any pests inside. Tillandsia caput-medusae. Gently shake off any excessive water from the leaves of the air plant after each watering. The following procedure has proven itself in practice: Please do not apply the liquid fertilizer in direct sunlight, since this could cause burns on the leaves. Tillandsia Caput Medusae Purple produces very colorful and inflorescence during blooming season. The substrate-free care for an epiphytic tillandsia requires an alternative way of cultivation. Tillandsia caput-medusae is a species of flowering plant in the bromeliad family, Bromeliaceae, subfamily Tillandsioideae. Name of genus: Tillandsia 3. Alternatively, press down the wilted plant part to cut it off right on the basis with a sharp disinfected knife. Join 5-10 years, Cultivation The leaves are smooth and project up and out from a bulbous base. Tillandsia caput-medusae in World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. The apple releases the ripening gas ethylene, which also has a beneficial effect on the willingness to flower. Since the plant collects the most needed carbon in the form of carbon dioxide from the air, thanks to its aerial roots, it is only necessary to satisfy the needs of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium by means of fertilizer. Caput-medusae grow faster in humid habitats and can reach a height and width of 35 cm. Since a Tillandsia caput-medusae is not at all choosy in this regard, you can let your imaginative ideas run wild. Flowers maybe over before arrival. Native to Mexico and Central America, the tillandsia caput medusae is a fan favorite due to its quirky appearance and snake-like leaves. Spray the sprout and substrate with lime-free water regularly. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. It also has the prettiest silvery green leaves. That way, the environment in its habitat is simulated by tying the plant up to an adequate support. The thermometer should not drop below 15 degrees Celsius. In point of fact, the Tillandsia establishes a symbiotic cohabitation with ants by offering them a place of retreat. Plants can be placed outside in the summer in the UK to benefit from the brighter conditions, rainfall and increased humidity. As part of its natural life cycle, Tillandsia caput-medusae will eventually produce a flower. Tillandsia Caput Medusae Purple has some dark purple edges around the leaves. 2019. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually. Grow under glass in bright but diffused light with good ventilation. Tillandsia caput-medusae. Description: The Tillandsia Caput Medusae air plant is quite a special plant. This does not mean that ants support its propagation by transporting seeds. A very unusual species of air plant native to Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama and sometimes called the octopus plant. As a rule, branches, cork boards or wooden blocks are suitable for this purpose. Air Plant - Tillandsia caput-medusae (white striped, enhanced): Named in reference to Medusa's snakes, Tillandsia caput-medusae has particularly curly leaves emerging from a very rounded bulb. It is mainly aphids that fall for the head of Medusa. When Medusae blooms you will be amazed by her blushing leaves and bursting bloom. The young tillandsia does not receive fertilizer before some roots have developed. The blooms are pink and purple. Our Botanical team are working hard to increase the number of plants with detailed information. The cutting can be powdered with stone powder or charcoal ash. As of now, adapt the water and nutrient balance to the changed conditions. Generally trouble free. Its distinctive characteristics include the fact that a Tillandsia caput-medusae acts as an ant plant in the wild. … Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. It is important to make sure the plant is not exposed to temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. A beautiful air plant, easy to look after, requires minimal watering. And when it blooms, it develops the prettiest blush, mauve and peach coloring. If you decide to use a hot glue gun, please let the glue cool a little before applying. Tillandsia caput medusae prefer sub tropic environments with warm and humid forests and are found native to Central America and Mexico. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/85121/Tillandsia-caput-medusae/Details See Air plants for more, Propagation Since the exotic bromeliad does not require a substrate, there are many creative ways to cultivate it in living spaces. To me it sums up what tills are, which is a little quirky and a little out there, after all how can plants grow without soil? Name of species: Tillandsia caput-medusae 4. Caput Medusae is one of our most popular tillandsia. The Tillandsia Caput Medusae is part of the Bromeliaceae Family also known simply as bromeliads. A Tillandsia caput-medusae pulls out all the floral stops, if it is assigned a bright location. Published on the internet. In the case of blazing sun at a south window, shadowing should be available. With the thicker head (caput) on the bottom and the wonderful firmly curly leaves, the Tillandsia caput-medusae is compared to a female figure from the Greek mythology. From spring to autumn immerse in rainwater twice a week (more in hot, dry conditions), drain well and allow to dry. To avoid this danger, we recommend a restrained supply of nutrients. The trichomes are their primary method of obtaining … Air the cover in a half-shaded spot on the window several times each day to prevent mold. Published online. Bromeliaceae, Genus Can stand outside in summer to benefit from rain, additional light and humidity. If you select any attributes with or without a plant name, you will see a much narrower selection of results taken only from the old RHS Plant Selector database. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, General enquiries RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected And caputs just do not look like a conventional plant, its leaves do not even look like leaves! We have combined these two powerful search tools into a single Find a Plant service searching over 250,000 plant records. Excellent for ordinary use in appropriate conditions. This plant is beautiful it hangs in my window on a wire and was the fourth member to my collection it is now rewarding me as it has a flower … The head of Medusa reaches its optimum, when the location is dominated by a combination of warm temperatures and high humidity. The root strands are designed to absorb moisture from the air. A spot on the window sill in the bathroom or kitchen honors this bizarre tropical beauty with a vital growth. Characterized by its unique shape, this air plant is an awesome species for beginner air plant enthusiasts due to its low maintenance requirements and hardiness. Besides that, the flower colors are much more intense if the plant blooms without any gardening intervention. Mexico & C America, All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. These plants will have a lot more details displayed including an image. Place your air plant somewhere with good air circulation to dry them completely within 4 hours of watering. Anyone who dares to adapt to its unconventional attitude, will easily meet the few requirements of this tillandsia, even as a debutant to hobby gardening. Spring is the best time for this action. Common names include octopus plant and medusa's head. Characterized by its unique shape, this air plant is an awesome species for beginner air plant enthusiasts due to its low maintenance requirements and hardiness. Within a few days, the peat extracts the lime from the water. Great prices on your favourite Gardening brands, and free delivery on eligible orders. It is recommended to water the plant several times a week, but ensure that no water is allowed to collect in the bulb (base of the air plant). Important before bidding- All effort and care will make to pack plant, but I cannot guarantee the blooms or buds due to conditions beyond my control during shipping. RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. It is also known as Octopus Plant and Medusa's Head. It grows without a substrate and its snake-shaped leaves bring an exotic flair to living rooms. To make sure the aphids do not spread to neighboring plants, we recommend isolating the infested Tillandsia caput-medusae until the plague is combated. 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The means of their faces acts as an alternative way of cultivation members can get exclusive advice.
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