Tillandsias Brachycaulos Abdita

Brachycaulos Abdita grows in dry woods and deserts in Mexico and Central America at elevations of 600-1,200 meters. It is a widespread species with a number of distinct morphological forms. The plant thrives under high light conditions, and it often blushes a rosy pink when light is combined with a humid environment. It is usually stem-less, and the long, attenuate leaves form a spreading rosette that is about 25 cm across and 12 cm tall at maturity. This species roots readily to a mounting substrate. It grows best with strong light and commensurate watering. It will grow, albeit more slowly, with lower levels of light. The leaves will become greener as with numerous other species. The colour can vary from moss to silver-green to an almost mauve. But the plant colours dramatically with onset of the flowering cycle if it is provided with bright light. In just a day or two, the colour of the entire plant changes to cherry. From the small floral head nestled in the centre of the leaves, deep violet blooms emerge to compliment the colour display. Few species are as rich in colour. After blooming, it loses much of its red colour. At this point one should soon find two or three pups coming forth, heralding the next generation.

Tillandsia brachycaulos multiflora is native to Guatemala. Although approximately the same size as Brach. Abdita, it is easily distinguished from its varietal twin by its darker green foliage. When it blooms the plant blushes carmine in contrast to the cherry of brachycaulos Abdita. The care of the two is basically the same, but Abdita is able to tolerate stronger light than multiflora.

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