This is a plant that has been in our collection for some time without a positive identification. We had obtained this plant originally as Til. pucarensis to which it certainly has some resemblance, but it is somewhat larger, leafier and has a larger and more heavily branched inflorescence.

We have shared pieces of this plant with others familiar with the species and all agree that pucarensis is not a good fit. However there is no other species which seems a good fit either. We now suspect that this may be a natural hybrid, perhaps between pucarensis and the small form of floribunda, but it cannot be known for sure. Therefore we have chosen to give it a cultivar name in order to keep track of it in a less confusing way.

One of the more unusual of all Tillandsias because of its habit of producing offsets all along its three foot long inflorescence, as well as in the more usual manner. A handsome plant with rather stiff leaves arranged in a more open rosette. This form of flexuosa is apparently native only to Venezuela, with two major colonies of slightly different plants. One colony occurs on the north coast where it often grows in large numbers in shrubs, trees and cacti on the seaside cliffs. Large clusters of these plants weigh down the limbs of the local scrub-type vegetation, often breaking loose and falling into the sea.

The other colony is in the Andes, near Merida, where it grows mainly in large clusters on the ground and in some low shrubbery. This form has thicker leaves and is larger and more open in shape. An easy to grow species that thrives mounted in a warm environment. 

Tillandsia ionantha stricta sport

A miniature hybrid of (albertiana x arequitae) by Mark Dimmitt.  A fascinating beautiful hybrid with large peach to lavender colored flowers to 2 inches in diameter. Foliage is stiff and silvery in an upright, loose rosette of a dozen leaves.

A choice little hybrid, rarely offered. 

A cultivar of (ionantha v. vanhyningii x ionantha ‘Druid’) by Bill Timm. A plant that can resemble the ionantha v. vanhyningii parent with thick leaves on a caulescent stem or can be more upright. The leaves blush reddish with blue flowers at anthesis. A nice hybrid that forms clusters of plants. 

A hybrid reported to be a cross of (durangensis x seleriana) by Bill Timm. We grew these from seedlings given to us by Bill. The plants have an open rosette shape of fairly broad, recurving, silvery leaves that can reach almost 20 inches across. 

The inflorescence can reach about 12 inches tall with very long, stiff, leaf-like red bracts. Many short, red branches point upwards from between the bracts and will produce tubular purple-blue flowers.

Honestly we cannot see either parent in the cross, but the plant has been registered and does match the photo in the registry.

The largest form, native to the desert valleys of central Ecuador. Often found growing as a saxicole or on cacti, this form differs from the typical in being much larger, with a bulbous base that can reach three inches in diameter and strictly upright, fine reddish-brown leaves. The inflorescence is longer, exceeding the foliage by several inches, branched and producing many yellow flowers which have a mild fragrance. An easy species to cultivate. Grows into a nice slightly stoloniferous cluster and does well mounted or potted in a very loose, well-drained media.

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

A small species with twisted foliage and fragrant light blue flowers. Native of Bolivia and Argentina where it grows in small clusters in the arid scrublands. The leaves are silvery, terete and somewhat kinked. Its inflorescence is like that of a streptocarpa, with light blue fragrant flowers. Grow bright and airy for best results.

First it should be noted that there is no such thing as Tillandsia tomasellii officially. This taxa has been combined with xerographica and is for all practical purposes, that plant. However, it bears little resemblance to a ‘typical’ xerographica.

This plant more closely resembles Tillandsia fasciculata in general aspect, same basic shape, narrow, silvery leaves, etc. The inflorescence however does resemble xerographica, a tall, well branched spike of yellow. A possible hybrid? Maybe, but for now, we are keeping this plant with its old name.

By the way, our plants originated in Guatemala, not Oaxaca, Mexico where tomasellii was first found.

Tillandsia stricta The soft-leaved form from Brazil. Mature at about 3 to 4in, has fine green to reddish-tinted leaves and will flower with vivid rose-pink bracts and blue flowers.

Tillandsia paleacea v. apurimacensis  A small silvery plant that blooms purple. Cultivation is easy, grow mounted or simply hang on a string in a breezy, bright spot. Water infrequently and fertilize modestly.