Tillandsia ‘Red Robin’ (T. streptophylla 'Red' Belize (ex Bob Spivey) x T. streptophylla 'Red' (ex Steve Correale) is a Tropiflora cultivar by Ray Lemieux, resulting from a series of crosses between several Tillandsia streptophyllas originating in Belize. The best of those, with reddish coloration, were crossed with ‘Spivey Belize Red’ (not sure if this is a registered plant. A clone of T. streptophylla). Selections of that cross were crossed with a red clone from Steve Correale. Select plants from that grex were crossed with another T. streptophylla called ‘Jim Irvin’s Pink. Best of that grex was crossed with another Tropiflora plant we call ‘Silver Fuzzy’ in 2017 (also not registered, a one-of). The best, reddest of that grex was selected to become ‘Red Robin’.

The plant is large and robust, with leaves that curl tightly, 17 inches long, 1.5 inches wide. A typical blooming plant, with spike, is 23 inches tall, with an inflorescence 17 inches tall with reddish-pink, 6-inch, curly bracts, and bearing a dozen or more silvery-pink branches. The bulbous base is approximately 6 x 6 inches.

A rarity in cultivation. This one comes from Morro do Chapeu, Brazil. It is very similar in appearance to Tillandsia gardneri. It has narrower leaves and is more robust. It has a erect inflorescence with 6 to 8 branches. The bracts are pink with scurf and the petals are pink. 

A rarely seen small grower from central coastal Mexico. Resembling a seedling of Til. streptophylla with its bulbous base and strap-like curly leaves, it differs from the later in lacking a scape. Please note: in cultivation this species tends to have a smaller base and narrower, less curled leaves.

Perhaps growing ‘harder’ would bring back the wild look. The flowers are formed on a short compound inflorescence. An unusual and desirable collectible.

This is a beauty and one of our favorite Tillandsias! We collected our original plants many years ago in Southern Ecuador and have propagated them since. An excellent species with many arching silvery-gray leaves in a 20 inch or larger rosette, with a beautiful branched rose-red inflorescence lasting for months.

Native to semi arid valleys and can often be found in trees near water courses. Somewhat of a slow grower but a spectacular plant at maturity. This species thrives with bright light and moderate watering and feeding.

A saxicolous species from Peru’s desert valleys. Like a small, caulescent, silver tectorum, with inch long leaves. Grow dry and bright.