This is a form of aeranthos that is quite different than most. It is big, bigger by quite a bit from any other form we have seen. The leaves are narrowly triangular, about 4 inches long, dark gray and very stiff. In inflorescence is stout, light pink, silvery with light blue flowers. We do not know the exact wild origins, but typically aeranthos is found in the ‘southern cone’ countries of South America. The picture tells the story, it’s a big beauty!

If you like Till. aeranthos, you’ll love the variety aemula! Like a giant-growing form of the species, it is a very handsome and hardy plant from Southern Brazil. Somewhat more caulescent than the typical form, it has purplish-tinted foliage on a stem up to 12 inches long. The inflorescence is well exerted, about 6 inches long, with deep rose-colored bracts and deep blue flowers. Forms large clumps eventually, and can be grown mounted or just hanging on a string.

A pretty plant that grows caulescent clusters, with wide, stiff, silvery-white leaves. The inflorescence is a simple thin red spike. Native to central Mexico. Can be cultivated in a basket, mounted or hanging from a wire or string. Likes bright light and good air circulation. This clone is much smaller than the normal form.

This is a very odd hybrid that doesn’t much resemble either parent. Assuming that the reported cross is correct, the plant does not have the thick leaves of either parent, the long stem or curled leaves of duratii or an inflorescence resembling either parent in any way. The flowers are large, spreading and light blue, borne on a tall scape with green bracts. The foliage is silvery, stiff, straight and forms a leafy rosette. Whether this hybrid is correctly identified remains a question, at least to me, but does not take away from the fact that this is a handsome plant.

Tillandsia balbisiana The Florida form of this wide ranging species that occurs from Florida, the Caribbean down through Mexico and Central America and Northern South America. The Florida form tends to grow in open woods and cypress swamps from twigs in the full sun to shaded hammocks. An elongated bulbous base formed by the leaves that constrict before flaring out to an open but few leaved rosette. The inflorescence is tall, branched and lacquer red. An easy and rewarding species to grow.