Tillandsia stricta is a fantastic display specimen in a vivarium if you’re looking for some unique accent greenery that strives in truly unique environments. Since the Stricta air plant is a terrarium air plant, you don’t need to worry about soil, pots, or substrate.
This tillandsia is a great safe choice for pet owners because of its non-toxicity. Though it provides such a unique aesthetic benefit to a terrarium, the Stricta air plant is considered a moderately challenging bromeliad for hobbyists to maintain;
However, its work is worth it for its bold beauty.
Quick Stats:
Scientific Name: Tillandsia stricta Sol
Family: Bromeliaceae
Common Names: Stricta Air Plant, Upright Air Plant
Habitat: Terrestrial
Height: 6 to 10 inches
pH Range: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: 70°F to 84°F
Lighting: Bright, diffused
What is a Tillandsia stricta?
Tillandsia stricta is a type of terrestrial bromeliad that ranges from yellow-green to grayish-green. This air plant is slow growing, relatively easy to care for, and fairly maintenance-free.
It is one of the larger air plants available with leaves reaching up to 8-10” in length. One unique feature of this plant is its ability to produce vibrant sky blue & purple blooms when given the proper conditions.
Tillandsia stricta Facts
Tillandsia stricta gets its common name, the Stricta air plant, from its ability to grow without soil or being potted. These air plants can also live with direct submersion into the water every other day, however, they still need plenty of airflow to complete their metabolic processes.
These air plants also have a great way of expressing themselves without saying a word. The tip of the leaves will go red when the air plants want more light and yellow & orange hues when the air plant is not getting enough water.
Description
Tillandsia stricta is a stunning and unique air plant, with its vibrant green rosette-like appearance. This air plant obtains its source of nutrition from the moisture it collects in its leaves rather than from the soil which is common for its Bromeliaceae family plants.
The leaves are quite stiff and are covered with trichomes that hold onto the humidity.
Habitat
The Stricta air plant is native to regions of North America such as Mexico and Central America. This air plant can be found in arid tropical forests where the humidity can get high.
The average temperatures of its natural habitats are usually in the low 70s to the high 80s.
pH Preference
Tillandsia stricta prefers a slightly alkaline soil or substrate, as it soaks up its nutrients and water, so it is important to make sure that your vivarium is not overly acidic when setting up. Ideal pH levels should range from 6.0 to 8.0.
Vivarium Type
The upright air plant is quite an easy-going species. With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when it comes to choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in. It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this air plant with its basic needs. The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the air plant. Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity. Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
Vivarium Placement
The Stricta air plant needs to be placed in an area of the vivarium that gets bright but diffused light. Since this air plant can’t soak up root tabs or any type of substrate, Tillandsia stricta does better when hung rather than placed in soil. Hooks and fishing lines can be used for this purpose.
Substrate
The Stricta air plant does not need soil or substrate as it obtains its nutrients through its leaves. If you decide to include it in a soil substrate environment, you should make sure that the soil is well-draining, as the plant may rot if there is too much moisture in its environment.
Lighting
Tillandsia stricta needs full, bright, and diffused terrarium light. Leaving the air plant in a shady area will cause it to stretch out and will not produce its beautiful blooms.
You can provide the air plant with some artificial lighting such as LEDs during the winter season in order to achieve more bright and diffused light.
Buy Tillandsia stricta
When it comes to buying the Stricta air plant, there are a few things to keep in mind. Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium. Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
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