Tillandsia bulbosa, commonly known as the Bulbous Air Plant, is an unusual evergreen epiphyte with a swollen base and long, twisting leaves. Its distinctive shape makes it an eye-catching choice for terrariums and indoor air plant displays.

When the plant reaches flowering size, the upper foliage develops vivid scarlet tones. Bright violet-purple tubular flowers then emerge on short red stems, creating a striking contrast.

Key features

• Evergreen epiphytic air plant
• Distinctive bulbous base up to 5cm across
• Narrow, twisting green leaves
• Upper foliage turns scarlet when flowering
• Violet-purple tubular flowers
• Ideal for humid terrariums and mounted displays

Plant size

• Height: around 15cm
• Spread: around 15cm
• Bulbous base: up to 5cm across

Other common names

• Bulbous Air Plant
• Bulbous Tillandsia

Flowers and foliage

The narrow leaves have curled edges that create twisted, tube-like foliage. This gives Tillandsia bulbosa a very different appearance from flatter-leaved air plants.

Its colour changes as flowering approaches. The upper leaves flush scarlet before vivid violet-purple flowers appear, adding another period of interest to the plant.

How to grow Tillandsia bulbosa

• Grow in bright, indirect light
• Provide warm, humid conditions with good airflow
• Do not plant in conventional potting soil
• Mount on cork bark, branches or other suitable hardscape
• Suitable for open or well-ventilated terrariums
• Can also be grown in humid kitchens and bathrooms

Watering your Bulbous Air Plant

• Mist or soak the plant a couple of times each week
• Use rainwater where possible
• Shake the plant after watering to remove excess moisture
• Allow it to dry between waterings
• Take particular care not to leave water trapped inside the bulbous base

Using Tillandsia bulbosa in a terrarium

The twisting foliage of Tillandsia bulbosa works well among branches, cork and other natural hardscape. Position it above the substrate rather than burying its base.

Do you want an air plant with an unusual shape as well as colourful flowers? Tillandsia bulbosa combines sculptural foliage, a swollen base and a vivid red and purple flowering display.