Medusa's Head Air Plant
tillandsia caput-medusae
Also known as: ["Air Plant","Medusa's Head"]
Overview
A unique epiphytic bromeliad with striking, tentacle-like leaves that curl outward from the base, native to Mexico and Central America.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus: | Tillandsia |
| Botanical Name: | Tillandsia caput-medusae |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor or outdoor mounting in bright, airy spaces
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, or more frequently in dry climates
- Drainage: N/A (grows mounted or air-grown).
- Soil Type: Not required; epiphytic (grows on surfaces without soil).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically every 6–12 months.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 4–6 hours/day; adjust for intensity (avoid direct midday sun).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to stronger light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; rotate regularly for even growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide filtered light; rotate plant weekly.
Watering
every 1–2 weeks, or when the plant feels dry to the touch
Mist or soak thoroughly; ensure good air circulation; avoid water in the center.
Soil
no soil required; mounts well on bark, cork, or wire mesh
pH: N/A (not soil-based).
Ensure good air flow; avoid waterlogged conditions; use well-draining mounts.
Temperature
Ideal 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerate 50–90°F (10–32°C) with good air circulation.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; ensure good air circulation; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer well; apply to roots, not leaves; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
By offsets (pups) or seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate pups.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Water lightly.
- Provide humidity.
Best Time: After flowering when pups are 1/3–1/2 the parent size.
Environment
Bright indirect light, high humidity (60–70%), and warm (70–80°F/21–27°C) conditions.
Medium
Well-draining mix like orchid bark or sphagnum moss.
Hormone
Not required for pups; optional for seeds.
Timeline
Pups establish in 4–8 weeks; seeds take 2–3 months to germinate.
Tools Needed
Clean knife, rooting medium, humidity dome (optional).
Quick Tips
Allow pups to callus before planting; maintain humidity; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim dead leaves at the base; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove only dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer when actively growing.
Pot Size
No pot size increase needed; focus on mounting or grouping.
Method
Mount on bark/wood or arrange in a container with no soil; ensure good air circulation.
Suggestions
Not required unless mounting or grouping; pups can be separated for propagation.
Checklist
Prepare mounting surface; secure plant gently; avoid soil unless necessary.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check moisture level; use lukewarm water; avoid direct sun while wet; ensure air circulation.
How to Apply Water Properly
Soak roots or mist leaves until damp, ensuring water drains if soaked; avoid prolonged moisture in the center; water in the morning.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water 1–2 times per week by misting or soaking for 2–4 hours, adjusting for humidity and season (less in winter).
Soil Improvement
N/A (focus on air circulation and mounting material).
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, browning leaf tips, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to rot.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; avoid drafts; ensure good air circulation.
Hot Stress
Leaf curling, dehydration, or sunburn in intense heat.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently if dry.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; rinse leaves after.
Fertilizing Method
Use bromeliad fertilizer diluted to ¼ strength monthly during growing season (spring–summer); avoid winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTillandsia caput-medusae is not toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxins that would harm felines if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicTillandsia caput-medusae is not toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic substances in this plant that would cause adverse effects in canines if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicTillandsia caput-medusae is not considered toxic to humans. It is a species of air plant and does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause harm upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Tillandsia caput-medusae?
A: Water every 1-2 weeks by misting or soaking in water for 20-30 minutes, then allow to dry completely.
Q: Can Tillandsia caput-medusae grow indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives indoors with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
Q: Does this plant require soil?
A: No, it is an air plant and grows without soil, attaching to surfaces or hanging freely.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 1–2 weeks, or when the |
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