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.

This larger growing species is a rock dwelling saxicole in its native Jalisco, Mexico habitat. A wide spreading rosette of 3/4 inch wide, leathery leaves blushes bright red in strong light. At anthesis the capitate head of red bracts rises well above the foliage, is bright red with blue flowers. A very showy plant and prized by collectors. Can be grown mounted or potted in a well-draining media.

A small growing, globose, gray leaved Tillandsia with a branched infloresence of reddish orange that barely exceeds the leaves. A cooler grower from the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador preferring high humidity and bright light. We cultivate this plant successfully in Florida with the aid of pure water, a must with this species.

Collector Item

NO HOLDING - MUST SHIP IMMEDIATELY