Tillandsia Spotlight: Ionantha Scaposa
One of our favorite small plants, the Tillandsia scaposa is similar in size and shape to the T. rubra and is characterized by bright green leaves that grow in a curving fountain type shape with a round base.
These little guys have an abundance of trichomes which allows them to withstand less water and more light. When caring for this species, you will want to make sure that you are shaking out any excess water from their leaves after watering since they have a tight leaf base, and water trapped in their bottom leaves can cause the plant to rot.
T. scaposa plants have an abundance of trichomes
Formerly known as T. ionantha var scaposa, then T. kolbii, it is now considered its own species, T. scaposa. These small plants grow natively in forests in Oaxaca and Chiapas Mexico, and throughout Guatemala. When in bloom, these unique plants will blush pink/red and will emit multiple purple blooms from their center. After blooming, these plants often produce multiple pups, and readily form clumps.
This T. scaposa blushed shades of red and yellow and bloomed a vibrant purple flower.
You might notice that the T. scaposa looks very similar to the T. ionantha variety which is why they were once thought to be a variety of the T. ionantha species. These little guys lend well to use in terrariums and interior design.
These plants are the perfect size and shape for use in sea urchins.
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