It’s hard to improve on Tillandsia brachycaulos, a pretty, easy to grow, green plant that blushes bright red when in bloom. But, growers are always looking for something better or at least different, and this clone has been judged to be ‘brighter red’ with noticeably narrower leaves. Whether it is better than the original or typical clone is a matter of conjecture and more to the point, in the eye of the beholder, but anyway it is a nice little show plant worthy of space in your collection.

An interesting and truly beautiful caulescent species from Paraguay with a very long stem bearing dozens of stiff, bronzy, 4 inch leaves. The inflorescence is a branching red spike with white flowers. We obtained our first specimen in the mid 1980’s from Prof. Dr. Werner Rauh, after he first described the species. We started with a single specimen and have released this plant periodically since. Easy to cultivate in bright light and good air circulation.

A beautiful yellow-blushing form with white flowers, that we found in Costa Rica back in 2002 on a trip along with Chester Skotak and Hiroyuki Takizawa. We do not have many, even after all this time. It’s a little slower to grow than the typical form, but is worth the wait. SEL2002-0299.

From Guatemala. This cute little plant about 4 inches tall has a bright green bulbous base and twisted, wiry leaves that blush bright red when blooming. The inflorescence is a short scape with red branches and deep blue flowers. Grow shaded and moist for best results. Forms attractive clumps, can be grown hanging from a string. A must for every Tillandsia fancier. Good for terrariums too.

A curious hybrid of cacticola ‘Splendid’ x duratii has some characteristics of both parents but really resembles neither. The plant forms an upright rosette of stiff, succulent leaves that taper to a curling tip. The inflorescence is upright, usually simple, dark purple with pale lavender flowers. Unusual.

The hybrid of (baileyi x ionantha) is both a hybrid by Mulford Foster and also occurs naturally in northern Mexico. Normally a cute miniature with short, 3 inch leaves in an upright, somewhat bottle-shaped rosette. This form is much larger, about double, and came from a wild collection in Tamaulipas, Mexico (SEL79-0005A) a number of years ago. Like the ‘normal form’ this one has an inflorescence that is a short simple scape with purple flowers and a reddish flush that extends to the upper leaves. This is just a more robust form.

A large form of capitata from Mexico collected by Steve Correale and used extensively in his hybrids. An open rosette shape of arching, leathery leaves that blush red in good light.

The inflorescence is vivid red-orange. A large grower to about 24 inches across.

Somewhat resembles a Tillandsia brachycaulos in size and shape but less leafy. Leaves are somewhat stiff, shiny, and gray/green. The entire plant flushes pink or peach when in bloom, with a short scape. An epiphyte on shrubby trees in the scorching valleys of central Honduras. Definitely something different. Easy to grow.

A large robust species with thick, leathery leaves is a rock dweller from central Mexico. Reddish foliage in an open rosette and a showy, tall inflorescence of orange. A choice plant that is easy to grow and can be potted or mounted.