A giant form of concolor from Mexico with the same general characteristics as the typical form, but reaching nearly a foot across. A desert dweller with a restricted range, it can be seen growing on cacti and Acacia in the extremely harsh country near Cuicatlan, Oaxaca. Stiff yellowish-green foliage tints reddish in the sun, and a shiny multiple branched spike of yellow to red with pink flowers. An outstanding plant.

Note: It is suggested by the BSI that this is a natural hybrid of unknown parentage. I doubt that. The plants are abundant in habitat but of limited range and they vary little. I believe that this is just a large and attractive clone or possibly form of the species. The ‘normal’ form does not seem to occur within the range of ‘Cuicatlan‘.

Tillandsia fasciculata. A Central American form with stiff greenish gray leaves in an upright rosette and a simple to branched spike of red, yellow or orange. Nice for mounting and will survive outdoors in Florida.

Native to the Andes of Venezuela, this cliff dweller is one of the jewels of the genus. A caulescent plant forming large clumps in just a few years, has fine, needle-like leaves about 3/4 inch long which flush red when blooming. The flower is a single, red, slightly flaring tube. A clump in bloom is a sight to behold! Flowers at various times throughout the warm months. A must for any collection, simply hang from a wire, grow it bright, water and fertilize frequently, allow to dry quickly.

A very handsome species from Veracruz, Mexico where it lives in deciduous, tropical forest at low altitudes. Resembles a brachycaulos, but differs morphologically. Forming a 6 to 8 inch rosette of wide light green, glossy leaves, it flushes deep red all over when in bloom. No visible scape, many blue flowers. One of the most dramatic color changes in the bromeliad world. Easy grower, grow mounted or in a basket or other place where it can get good air circulation.

This is the same plant in every way as the regular form of the species, except much, much larger. Reaching up to 12 inches in diameter, with stolons of 6 to 8 inches, it is an impressive plant. The many leaves are silvery, with an 8 inch bright red spike with blue flowers. This rare form is restricted to the north central Pacific coast of Ecuador. Grow mounted, bright as with most Tillandsias.  Please note that this species was described as and was considered a Vriesea until the recent DNA studies prompted a realignment to the genus Tillandsia.

Somewhat resembles a Tillandsia brachycaulos in size and shape but less leafy. Leaves are somewhat stiff, shiny, and gray/green. The entire plant flushes pink or peach when in bloom, with a short scape. An epiphyte on shrubby trees in the scorching valleys of central Honduras. Definitely something different. Easy to grow.

If you like Till. aeranthos, you’ll love the variety aemula! Like a giant-growing form of the species, it is a very handsome and hardy plant from Southern Brazil. Somewhat more caulescent than the typical form, it has purplish-tinted foliage on a stem up to 12 inches long. The inflorescence is well exerted, about 6 inches long, with deep rose-colored bracts and deep blue flowers. Forms large clumps eventually, and can be grown mounted or just hanging on a string.

A tropical jewel from Central America, has needle-fine 3 inch green leaves on a base the size of a jaw breaker. Delicate lilac flowers are borne on a branched purple inflorescence.  Tillandsia filifolia is found throughout Mexico and Central America. In Belize it has a limited range, being restricted to the pine forests of the Maya Mountains where it enjoys the breezy, cool conditions. Found at altitudes over 500 feet, it, however does well at sea level and is now a staple item in the bromeliad trade, being propagated in large quantities. Til. filifolia resembles a little sea urchin with a marble-sized base and stiff, hair-fine leaves to three inches long. The inflorescence is purple, up to six inches tall and branched. Enjoys bright shade and humid conditions.