This is a slightly larger clone of this species from Mexico and Central America. Originally collected 12 km NE of Huatusco, Veracruz Mexico in oak forest, it came to us from the Marie Selby Botanical Garden (SEL1985-0700). An upright growing plant to 12 inches with a simple, lanceolate inflorescence of red and yellow. Usually epiphytic, sometimes lithophytic in nature, it is easy to grow and a faithful bloomer with leaves that blush reddish in strong light. Suitable for terrariums.

Like Tillandsia 'Victoria' with the brachycaulos x ionantha parentage, only BIGGER.

A hybrid of (fasciculata x ionantha) made by the late Luis Ariza, well known bromeliad hybridist from the Dominican Republic. This same cross is also known as nidus and ’Fortin Jalapa’ as it has both been crossed by others and is often found occurring naturally wherever both parent species live together. This one was allegedly made with one of the small growing clones of fasciculata native to the D.R. 

A handsome form collected in Brazil by Wally Berg and John Anderson (BAB223). Stiff leaves form a flaring, tubular rosette and bear the typical deep ‘thumb print’ characteristic of the species. The leaves are green above with a slight red margin and colorfully banded with silver below, with pink, red, orange and brown suffused into the green leaves. Great for a hanging basket, decorative pot or even for mounting.

*VIPP plants are Offsets

An attractive hybrid of (ionantha x chiapensis) by John Arden. As with most ionantha hybrids, it shows very strong characteristics of that species. A very leafy open rosette to about 8 or 10 inches tall with a pinkish blush to the scurfy, silvery leaves. The inflorescence is very colorful, a cluster of bright red branches nested deep in the center, with large, tubular, inky-blue flowers. Very pretty and easy to grow. Likes to be on the dry side. 

Tillandsia lenca (formerly fasciculata 'Hondurensis') x capitata 'Yellow' SC

A nice plant by Steve Correale with an open rosette, blushing to almost red when in bloom. Leaves are bright green with some scurffing, slightly curved. The inflorescence has yellow branched spikes and pink flower tubes.

A natural hybrid of Tillandsia gardneri x stricta. The native range of this hybrid is southeast Brazil.

A Ray Coleman cross of (gigas x ‘Tingua’) that is a large growing plant reaching 20 inches tall and 45 inches across with 3 inch wide leaves. In strong light the leaves are rich, rusty brown with some dark red speckling. No significant color change at anthesis. Flowers are blue. Useful in landscape as it is a large grower with a tolerance for sun and harsh conditions.

*VIPP plants are Offsets

A handsome miniature hybrid by Mark Dimmitt using Tillandsia ionantha crossed with funckiana, both red-blushing species. The hybrid is somewhat caulescent with densely packed, short, succulent leaves on a 3 inch stem. The plant can blush bronzy-red in strong light especially if not over fed, but at anthesis it blushes somewhat crimson. The flowers are compact and purple in color. Easily forms small clumps after anthesis.