Tillandsia caput-medusae

Purple flowers and red bracts – nature’s play of colors

The Tillandsia caput-medusaealso known as medusa head is one of the most spectacular air plants and is a real eye-catcher in any terrarium. With its twisted, tentacle-like leaves, its unusual shape is reminiscent of the snakes of Medusa from Greek mythology – hence its name. This particular species originates from the warm regions of Central America, where it grows in dry forests and on trees.

A major advantage of this tillandsia is that it does not require a substrate as it absorbs its nutrients and moisture through the air. This makes it ideal for naturalistic designs in tropical and rainforest terrariums, but also in combination with decorative branches or roots. Thanks to its bizarre growth habit, it brings dynamism and structure to your terrarium and provides a wonderful backdrop for plants such as bromeliads, ferns or orchids.

So that the Tillandsia caput-medusae feels well, it needs sufficient air humidity between 60-80 % and good ventilation. In its natural environment, it is accustomed to changing humidity – regular spraying with low-lime water is completely sufficient. Light also plays an important role: the plant prefers bright, indirect light and thrives excellently with an illumination of approx. 700-1,000 lumens. Direct sunlight should be avoided as the leaves can react sensitively.

With a size of about 10-25 cm is the Tillandsia caput-medusae is ideal for both smaller terrariums and larger plants. It grows rather slowly, which means it retains its compact shape for a long time. It becomes particularly exciting when it forms its bright red bracts and purple flowers – a colorful highlight that few air plants have to offer.

The Tillandsia caput-medusae is not only a decorative but also an easy-care plant that is perfect for beginners and experienced terrarium keepers. With its unusual appearance, it provides an exotic flair and quickly becomes an eye-catcher in any setup.