Wildlife value of Tillandsia Ionantha — an unexpected bonus

I planted Tillandsia Ionantha primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. extraordinary architectural forms from spiralling to globe-shaped seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a glass globe or terrarium with open ventilation which allows me to watch the activity up close. pup production after flowering creating a new clump is the most active period for wildlife visits. shaking off excess water after soaking to prevent rot at the base is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. bleaching and burning from direct summer sun is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.