Tillandsias not only impress with their uncomplicated care. The magnificent exotic species can also be multiplied easily. These instructions explain the Kindel method in a practical way.

Tillandsia form children

Withered tillandsia will sprout daughter plants

Like all bromeliads, indoor tillandsias flower once and then die. The fascinating exotics, on the other hand, do not go without first ensuring their continued existence. To this end, most species produce one or more daughter plants endowed with all the wonderful attributes of the mother plant. The Tillandsia thus provides us with propagation material via the Kindel route, which is already laid out and ready to go.

Cut off kindel and care for it properly - this is how it works

To successfully propagate a tillandsia, continue the care program with watering and fertilizing at the end of the flowering period. Cut off the withered inflorescence so that the plant does not invest any energy in the growth of the capsule fruit. How to proceed:

  • Only cut off a child when it is at least half the size of the mother plant
  • Pot the daughter plant in loose, low-lime potting soil
  • Water the soil with soft water

Place the pot in a warm, semi-shady spot. Spray the young plant regularly with soft water. After 4 to 6 months, repot the young tillandsia in normal bromeliad soil or attach it to a base.

Special case Tillandsia usneoides

You will look in vain for daughter plants on a Tillandsia usneoides. In order to reproduce this tillandsia species generatively, cut off healthy, vital shoots that are 10 to 15 cm long. Tie them to wood or cork. Sprayed daily with soft water, growth progresses rapidly on the bright, warm window seat.

tips

The propagation of a tillandsia with seeds presents a special challenge. At least 2 specimens of the same species are required for fertilization. Furthermore, pollination is done manually with a fine brush. If the capsule fruits release the winged seeds after a long ripening period, germination takes many months. Several years pass before the longed-for flowering period.

Category:

Vegetable garden