All About Tillandsia Capitata Rubra
Capitata Rubra is one of a few varieties of air plants with a year-round, natural red color. Depending on the amount of light it gets, the color can be green, pink, red, or anywhere in between. Sometimes they will take on a purplish hue.
Rubra is a larger growing air plant that has a small inflorescence with violet, flowers. Capitatas have soft, recurving leaves and fairly prominent trichomes, giving them a lovely shimmer. Capitata Rubra tends to open and fan out when blooming.
All About Caring for Capitata Rubra
These are easy to care for and a great colorful air plant. The red color makes it easy to discern whether or not your air plant is getting enough light. If the red color starts fading to green, it needs more light.
When the air plant is too dry, its leaves will start to fold inwards and the plant will deflate a little. However, it is normal for the lower, older leaves to fold at the base. Once it’s hydrated, the leaves will open and the plant will fill out.
It’s easy to care for and a great colorful air plant for beginners. Read on to learn more about caring for Capitata Rubra……
Water
Water Capita Rubra by soaking for 30 minutes to 4 hours once per week.
If water gets caught in the base it will cause rot.
Always dry upside down.
Size
On average 8 inches tall or wide.
Some will grow larger.
Light
Rubra needs bright indirect light to induce blushing.
It can survive with lower light but will not maintain a red color.
Often south and east-facing windows get the best light.
Soil
No soil.
Soil will kill most air plants.
Humidity
The ideal humidity is 50% or higher.
Fertilizer
Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
Use an air plant-specific fertilizer or dilute orchid fertilizer.
The ideal ratio for Tillandsia is 16-9-25
Propagation
Pups / Offsets
Seeds
Get your very own Tillandsia Capitata Rubra here.
Check out these other Capitata cultivars.
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[…] air plants are those with an open rosette. This category includes T. harrisii, T. capitata, and T. aeranthos. They can be smooth or fuzzy, water hogs or drought tolerant, large or small. […]