Tillandsia: after flowering

Tillandsias have a distinctive growth cycle. They do not enter a true dormant period (due to a relatively constant climate throughout the year), but instead undergo repeated cycles of growth and flowering, which are fascinating to observe. We currently have several specimens that finished flowering several weeks ago. These parent plants have all started to produce offshoots.

Here is an example of a Tillandsia ixioides, which flowered about three months ago. The offshoots grow from buds located at the base of the leaves, which are invisible whilst dormant. This is the same process as in Nepenthes, except that they only grow if there is a problem with the main stem. In Tillandsia, this is triggered by flowering. This ensures succession should the main plant become too exhausted following flower production, which is always energy-intensive. It is interesting to note that these offshoots grow significantly faster than a seedling grown from seed.

This is how one recognises older specimens, which sometimes form massive clumps.