Lemeltonia dodsonii

Description

Lemeltonia dodsonii is a rare epiphytic bromeliad native to Ecuador, formerly known as Tillandsia dodsonii. It is distinguished by its slender rosette, narrow foliage and unusual flowering habit, with a long inflorescence that can become pendulous.

Its natural, airy appearance makes it particularly attractive for humid tropical terrariums, paludariums, greenhouses and epiphytic displays where a more delicate bromeliad is desired.

Botanical family

Bromeliaceae

Genus

Lemeltonia

Species

Lemeltonia dodsonii (L.B.Sm.) Barfuss & W.Till

Synonym

Tillandsia dodsonii L.B.Sm.

Origin

Lemeltonia dodsonii is native to Ecuador, where it grows naturally as an epiphyte in wet tropical environments. The type specimen was collected in Pichincha at approximately 1100 m elevation, growing on old orange trees along the Santo Domingo–Quito road.

Foliage

The plant develops numerous narrow leaves arranged in a slender rosette. Their lightly scaled surface gives the plant the characteristic airy appearance of many Tillandsioideae.

Mature leaves can reach around 20 cm while maintaining a relatively fine and elegant silhouette.

Growth habit and development

Lemeltonia dodsonii forms a relatively compact rosette but can produce an inflorescence considerably longer than the foliage.

A flowering specimen may reach approximately 80 cm in total height, mainly due to its elongated flowering stem.

Epiphytic cultivation

This species is particularly suitable for mounting onto branches, natural roots or cork panels. It readily produces roots that anchor the plant onto the support.

It can also be grown in a small, highly aerated potting mix.

Terrarium compatibility

• Humid tropical terrarium: Yes
• Bioactive terrarium: Yes
• Paludarium: Yes, emerged section
• Epiphytic cultivation: Excellent
• Nano terrarium: Less suitable when mature and flowering
• Tropical greenhouse: Yes, excellent

Recommended substrate

When mounted, a small amount of sphagnum moss can be placed around the roots to help maintain humidity without keeping the base permanently wet.

When grown in a pot, use an extremely airy mixture containing fine bark, perlite, sphagnum moss and volcanic material.

Watering

Mist or water regularly using soft or low-mineral water. The roots appreciate regular moisture while requiring excellent aeration.

Avoid permanently saturated conditions and allow good airflow between waterings.

Humidity

High humidity of approximately 65% to 90% is particularly suitable.

As with many epiphytic bromeliads, high humidity should always be combined with good ventilation.

Temperature

Ideal growing temperature: approximately 18°C to 26°C.

It performs particularly well in warm to mild humid conditions corresponding to its Ecuadorian wet tropical habitat.

Light

Lemeltonia dodsonii prefers medium to bright filtered light.

It can tolerate relatively strong light when humidity and airflow are sufficient, but harsh direct sunlight through glass should be avoided.

Flowering

Flowering is one of the most distinctive features of this species. It produces a long, slender inflorescence that may become pendulous and carry numerous flowers.

The flowers have white petals with a yellow centre and have been reported as fragrant.

Growth

Moderate growth. Once established, the plant can produce offsets and gradually develop into an attractive clump.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly carried out by separating offsets once they are sufficiently developed.

Maintenance

Maintain a good balance between humidity, light and airflow. Remove dry material when necessary and avoid keeping the base permanently wet.

Fertilisation

Use a very weakly dosed fertiliser for bromeliads or Tillandsioideae occasionally during active growth.

Avoid strong fertiliser concentrations that may cause mineral salt build-up on the leaves and roots.

Why choose Lemeltonia dodsonii?

Lemeltonia dodsonii is an uncommon bromeliad valued for its Ecuadorian origin, natural epiphytic habit and distinctive long pendulous inflorescence.

It is particularly suited to collectors and tropical terrariums looking for a more delicate and airy bromeliad than broad-rosetted species.

JungleBox advice

Mount it slightly above ground level on a branch or cork panel so its natural epiphytic habit can be fully appreciated and its long inflorescence has enough room to develop.

In a terrarium, choose a humid but well-ventilated position with good filtered light.

Additional information

• Botanical name: Lemeltonia dodsonii
• Former name: Tillandsia dodsonii
• Family: Bromeliaceae
• Origin: Ecuador
• Type: Epiphytic bromeliad
• Habitat: Wet tropical forest
• Growth habit: Slender airy rosette
• Flowering: Long, sometimes pendulous inflorescence
• Flowers: White with yellow centre
• Fragrance: Reported as fragrant
• Exposure: Medium to bright filtered light
• Humidity: 65 to 90%
• Temperature: 18 to 26°C
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Epiphytic cultivation: Excellent
• Tropical terrarium compatible: Yes
• Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
• Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section