Northern Needleleaf
Tillandsia balbisiana
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panamá, Turks-Caicos Is., United States
Everglades NPS (www.flickr.com) from Homestead, Florida, United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Bromeliaceae
- Genus:
- Tillandsia
- Species:
- Tillandsia balbisiana
- USDA Symbol:
- TIBA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 45 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, violet, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- epiphytic, attaches to trees and rocks
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to humid, tropical forests; does not require soil
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require high humidity and bright indirect light; no soil needed as seeds germinate on surfaces like bark or moss.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI