Wildlife value of Tillandsia Andreana — an unexpected bonus

I planted Tillandsia Andreana primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. flowers only once in a lifetime but produces offsetting pups after seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in grouped together in a bowl as a centrepiece which allows me to watch the activity up close. reduced watering needed in cool winter months indoors is the most active period for wildlife visits. misting more frequently in hot dry indoor conditions is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. dehydration shown by rolled or curled leaves is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.