Tillandsia caput-medusae
til-LAND-see-uh KAY-put me-DOO-say
Common Names: Medusa Air Plant, Sky Plant
Family: Bromeliaceae
Origin: Mexico to South America
Growth: Epiphytic, clumping
Light: Bright, indirect
Foot Candles: 50-150
Water: Soak once per week
Humidity: 50%+
Temperature: 13°C - 30°C
Soil: Not required
Container: Mounted to corkbark
Nutrients: Not required.
Propagation: Seed or removal of offsets
Interiorscape Use: Desktop, hanging, mounted to indoor trees
Common Pests: Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider Mites, Scale, Thrips.
Common Issues: Easily forgotten and dries up or over-watered resulting in rot.
Comments: This exotic plant requires very little to survive. However, to thrive and reach sizes similar to its native habitat the plant needs very specific conditions that are not able to be met in typical indoor environments. When getting ready to flower, the plant will turn a blushing pink/red and push out a purple flower. Popular as low-maintenance terrarium plants and are even used in jewellery.
Toxicity: Safe.