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.

The classic ‘Blushing Bride’, one of the first forms of this species imported, and at one time the most abundant.  Now overtaken by cultivated Guatemalan plants, which tend to be less colorful, the Mexican form is much sought.  Growing to about two inches tall and wide, it will form large clusters in a short time (few years) and is very easy to grow. 

Found from northern Mexico, within 100 miles of the Texas border, then south all the way to Guatemala.  It is found mostly in semi-arid, deciduous forest where it can fill the limbs of trees by the tens of thousands.  This form blushes very bright red at anthesis.

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.

A smallish species of Tillandsia that grows on a long stem.  The narrow, stiff leaves are 2 to 3 inches long spaced along the stem and taper to a point.  The overall color is dark purplish with a silvery tint.  The inflorescence is a 2 inch scape with bright pink bracts and flaring blue flowers.  Clumps are easily formed and once a clump forms, the plants can be suspended from a string for cultivation. 

Native to Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil, it has a strong resemblance to T. aeranthos though it must be significantly different enough to deserve species status.  Our plants came originally from the collection of Elton Leme.