Medusa Head Air Plant

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.

Medusa head air plant.

The medusa plant is a cactus or succulent that is more commonly known by the name medusa head euphorbia flanaganii. Fertilize the plant monthly during spring and summer using a water soluble fertilizer mixed to half strength. 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. The air plant resembles the twisting and chaotic shape of that hair and is an appropriate name.

In their natural habitat t caput medusae are found growing from central america to mexico. However it has adapted to dryer regions of the united states and grows quite well in southern california. 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. Once it reaches a certain size a mother plant will produce pups on the ends of older arms.

Be sure the plant isn t crowded as good air circulation can prevent powdery mildew. It is sometimes commonly referred to as just medusa s head or octopus plant. Don t forget to mist it with a water bottle periodically until roots form. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.

A member of the euphorbiaceae family the medusa head is a native plant of south africa. It is also known as octopus plant and medusa s head. Each stem produces a single short 15 50mm long bristly spike type seed head. The seed heads are similar in appearance to foxtail barley hordeum jubatum and bottlebrush squirreltail elymus elymoides but.

It thrives in forest and clif side areas with plenty of light heat and humidity. Tillandsia medusae are easily cared for in just about any environment. For this purpose put the tillandsia with an overripe apple into a transparent plastic bag and close it tightly. 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.

If despite all efforts the head of medusa keeps the flowers hidden there is a simple trick to bring the tropical plant into flower. Medusa head plant can be propagated from cuttings so this could be a great time to take a cutting you ll want to make sure and use a sterile knife or sharp scissors and select a healthy looking stem to cut. Because the caput is an air plant it likes quite humid conditions. Otherwise caring for medusa s head isn t complicated.

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