Tillandsia Streptophylla Air Plant
Also known as the Shirley Temple, or the Queen of Air Plants, the Tillandsia Streptopyhlla is a truly beautiful plant. The soft, pastel green leaves have a beautiful curl to them, which is why they earned the nickname “Shirley Temple” since they resemble her darling ringlets.
Like the stunning, Tillandsia Xerographica, this unbelievably beautiful Air Plant is the perfect Tillandsia for ornaments, cups or bowls of any kind, or to simply sit on its own on a coffee table or a desk. And like the Xerographica, as the Streptophylla grows, its arms will extend and curl and wrap around itself. Its lovely leaves are wider at the base and grow into curly little tendrils. This specific air plant will also grow quite a bit, and relatively quickly. It is xeric, which means that it requires less water to thrive.
LIKES //
This particular variety likes to be misted 2-3 times a week if you live in a mild climate. If you live in a very arid climate, you should soak your plant for around 10 minutes once a week, but please ensure you invert your plant after any dunking and allow to dry upside down to prevent rotting. The Streptophylla also prefers indirect sunlight, but does well with direct sun for a few hours a day.
DISLIKES //
Soaks that last too long, trapped water in between its leaves - so after a soaking or a heavy misting, make sure you turn it upside down and shake the excess water free. You can leave the air plant upside down until it is fully dry before placing it back in its home.
WHERE IS IT FROM //
The Tillandsia Streptophylla is native to Mexico, the West Indies and Central America.
COMPATIBLE WITH //
The Planter Himmeli
MEASUREMENTS // approximate
4-6” tall and wide
FLOWER //
When the Streptophylla flowers, the leaves towards the center of the plant will develop a gorgeous pink and peach coloring, the spike, or inflorescence is light pink, and the flower will have white buds and violet flowers.
FUN FACT //
When blooming, hummingbirds are drawn to the Streptophylla!
Do you have any other questions about this incredibly interesting air plant or any other air plants? Feel free to view my Introduction to Air Plant Care or my Air Plant Care Series.