A year in the life of a Tillandsia

As an adult, the unusual Tillandsia seleriana has a massive bulb that produces broad, scaly leaves, which taper sharply towards the tip. Its slow growth is well worth keeping an eye on. Our specimens behaved as follows:

• Automner 2008: emergence of flower stalks
• Printemps–summer 2009: flowering (partial view)
• Automner 2009: production of an offshoot

Tillandsia seleriana and its offshoot
Tillandsia seleriana and its offshoot

Traditionally, an offshoot takes over, whilst the main plant remains dormant. During the weeks of flowering, the main plant does not grow significantly, but its upper parts change colour to a bright red, as we have already seen.

Witnessing the completion of the full cycle is truly satisfying: it reassures us that the plants are in good conditions to live and reproduce, ‘just as in nature’.