Tillandsias not only impress with their uncomplicated care. The magnificent exotics can also be propagated easily. These instructions explain the Kindel method in a practical way.
How to propagate Tillandsia?
To propagate tillandsias, remove wilted inflorescences and cut off daughter plants (children) that are at least half the size of the mother plant. Plant them in low-lime potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon) and ensure regular, soft watering.
Withered tillandsia allows daughter plants to sprout
Like all bromeliads, indoor tillandsias bloom once and then die. The fascinating exotics, however, do not go away without first ensuring their continued existence. To this end, most species produce one or more daughter plants that are endowed with all the wonderful attributes of the mother plant. Through the Kindel route, the Tillandsia supplies us with propagation material that is already laid out and ready to go.
Cut off the children and care for them properly – this is how it works
To successfully propagate a tillandsia, continue the care program with watering and fertilizing at the end of the flowering period. Cut off the withered inflorescence so that the plant does not invest energy in the growth of the capsule fruits. Proceed as follows:
- Only cut off a child when it is at least half the size of the mother plant
- Pot the daughter plant in a loose, low-lime potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon)
- Water the soil with soft water
Place the pot in a warm, partially shaded location. Spray the young plant regularly with soft water. After 4 to 6 months, repot the young tillandsia in normal bromeliad soil or attach it to a support.
Special case Tillandsia usneoides
You will look in vain for daughter plants on a Tillandsia usneoides. To propagate this Tillandsia species generatively, cut off he althy, vital shoots that are 10 to 15 cm long. You attach these to wood or cork. Sprayed daily with soft water, growth progresses quickly in the bright, warm window seat.
Tip
Propagate a tillandsia with seeds presents a special challenge. At least 2 specimens of the same species are required for fertilization. Furthermore, pollination is carried out manually with a fine brush. If the capsule fruits release the winged seeds after a long ripening period, germination takes many months. Several years will pass before the longed-for flowering period.
