Medusa Head Air Plant

Quick clip to show you how to propagate medusa s head.

Medusa head air plant.

Each stem produces a single short 15 50mm long bristly spike type seed head. On brighter subjects medusa s head makes an exceptional container plant and it can also be put into gardens so long as it is protected from freezes. Otherwise caring for medusa s head isn t complicated. It is also known as octopus plant and medusa s head.

Fertilize the plant monthly during spring and summer using a water soluble fertilizer mixed to half strength. While misting the medusa s head plant you can add a weak diluted fertilizer from spring summer twice a month. One or more stems arise from the base of the plant and can be as long as 0 6m but are more commonly 0 2 0 33m in length. For this purpose put the tillandsia with an overripe apple into a transparent plastic bag and close it tightly.

The medusa plant is a cactus or succulent that is more commonly known by the name medusa head euphorbia flanaganii. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. However it has adapted to dryer regions of the united states and grows quite well in southern california. In their natural habitat t caput medusae are found growing from central america to mexico.

They have fine but strong hair like roots that grow for the purpose of anchoring the plant to it s mount not for transmission of. The seed heads are similar in appearance to foxtail barley hordeum jubatum and bottlebrush squirreltail elymus elymoides but. Be sure the plant isn t crowded as good air circulation can prevent powdery mildew. A member of the euphorbiaceae family the medusa head is a native plant of south africa.

If despite all efforts the head of medusa keeps the flowers hidden there is a simple trick to bring the tropical plant into flower. Tillandsia medusae are easily cared for in just about any environment. Don t forget to mist it with a water bottle periodically until roots form. Once it reaches a certain size a mother plant will produce pups on the ends of older arms.

The growth starts as a swelling at the end of an arm and rapidly grows its own caudex and arms. It thrives in forest and clif side areas with plenty of light heat and humidity. It does not like dry artificial heat so if you bump up your heating during the winter remember to provide your plant with enough air and water spray. The air plant resembles the twisting and chaotic shape of that hair and is an appropriate name.

Allow the end to callous over for a day or two before planting in well draining soil.