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.

*VIPP plants are small, not in bud

A fairly rare plant in cultivation is a denizen of inland forests in the northern Mexican states of Sinaloa and Sonora. This plant is hummingbird pollinated and has a branched pink scape with tubular flowers. The plant is about 6 inches tall with somewhat stiff, silvery leaves in an upright rosette.

A very nice specimen of this variable species from Mexico, with grayish-green leaves in an upright rosette. The inflorescence is a torch-like head of bright yellow bracts that is long lasting and colorful. Much larger than the standard capitata form, this one can grow up to 24 inches!

A lithophyte in nature, it can be grown mounted or potted in a well-draining mix.