Scientific Name Tillandsia leiboldiana (Tillandz' plant, Leibold's variety) 'Mora'
Common Name Leibold's Tillandsia, Air Plant
Origin Mexico and Central America
Description This variety of Tillandsia can grow and thrive in a pot, unlike its more airy cousins. Just make sure it doesn't sit with soggy roots as it is still an epiphyte used to having a bit of air circulation around its feet! Like the other air plants, it grows in layers of green spikes, and these ones will curl back for a truly unusual foliage fountain. This variety will also sprout purple flowers from the middle of this fountain; keep it in a bright spot to encourage flowering, but make sure it doesn't dry out to keep those blooms as long as possible. Light Likes bright, indirect light; think of the dappled light you'd get in the branches of a tree. Water Misting a couple of times a week will supply sufficient water, as like its air plant cousins this plant can absorb its water in this way. In a drier spot it might need more. As with air plants, make sure the foliage doesn't sit soggy- the soil can be moist, too, but never soggy.
Humidity This plant likes high humidity; think tropical rainforests, and if it's in a drier spot be sure to mist regularly or add a humidity tray.
Soil Make sure it's a well-draining or chunky mix for this epiphyte; a mix with added sand or bark would work well.
Food This slow-growing plant doesn't need much fertilising; if you replenish the soil every year this should provide enough nutrients. If you want to add extra, feed it at the beginning of the growing season. Temperature Average household temperatures of about 15-30°C are perfect- make sure it doesn't drop below 15°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips Try to use rainwater or distilled water when misting if possible; tapwater, especially hard water, can leave traces of the chemicals in it on your plant (like the limescale on taps or in kettles)
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.