A large plant with an unusual cross. The parent; Tillandsia limbata, is rarely seen in hybrids. It gives size to the cross as well as the long, strappy leaves forming a rosette to about 24 inches across with green leaves that are silvery on the undersides. The inflorescence is tall with many upright, narrow branches held close to the rachis. The branches are green but trend slightly towards yellow-orange in color and the scape bracts are long but only green.

A species related to Tillandsia xiphioides has relatively few, stiff leaves in an open rosette, with a lanceolate inflorescence of yellow. Flowers are yellow, but unlike xiphioides, not fragrant. We found this species growing on rocks in the full sun, not far from the Rio Santa Rosa in central Bolivia.

Crossing the Santa Rosa in our little jeep, we were nearly swept away when the water got as deep as our door handles! This rare plant had not been in cultivation in the U.S. before then. Grow bright with good air circulation. Restrict water in winter.

This species, from Oaxaca, Mexico, described by Espejo & Lopez-Ferrari in 2008, has been often confused with the similar Tillandsia jalisco-monticola. Aside from its range which is unique, this species differs from jalisco-monticola in that the spike is never branched and is narrower, along with other anatomical differences. A large, spreading rosette with many narrow, dark silvery leaves to 24 inches across, with a simple inflorescence that is very thickly inflated, green on the top half and pink to red below. Very showy and long lasting in bloom.