Tillandsia extensa, a terrestrial from the upper slopes of the Rio Chancay has red leaves when grown in full sun. The infloresence is a massive, multi-branched panicle that is sometimes used a Christmas tree locally. Mature at about 24 inches the species seems to adapt well to cultivation and may be grown potted or mounted.

*VIPP plants are Small

This is an unidentified species that is at least similar to fasciculata and with a ‘Pink & Green’ inflorescence. We have had this for many years and in the interim have lost the locality data for it. We believe that this was originally from Mexico, but may be mistaken. Too bad, because this data is important when trying to identify plants. At any rate, this is a nice and colorful, fairly large-growing Tillandsia worthy of space in your collection!

A large-growing Tillandsia that fits closer with fasciculata than anything else, with silvery-gray leaves to 24 inches long in a very large and full rosette. The inflorescence is massive, reaching well above the foliage on a thick scape, supporting a head of up to 20 fat bright-red bracts up to 8 inches long and an inch thick.

The inflorescence lasts in good color for over a year. A likely natural hybrid of fasciculata x compressa that we got from Jamaica over 40 years ago.

The truth is, we suspect that this plant is not a fasciculata at all, but rather either a new species or one that we do not know about. For now though, for lack of a better name and because of its resemblance to that species, we will call it Tillandsia fasciculata ‘Yellow & Purple’. The plant is like a ‘typical’ fasciculata with an upright rosette formed of stiff, narrow leaves, but the inflorescence is rather stunning. A purple rachis with yellowish branches, showy and long lasting. If anything comes of the name, we’ll keep you posted.