A tall-growing form of this species of northern and central Peru where it lives as an epiphyte in thorn forests of the arid foothills in the eastern Andes. Many variations, forms and cultivars have been selected from this species that long been popular with hobbyists.

This form has broad, curling, silvery leaves the grow in a longer cluster. The inflorescence is about 18 to 24 inches tall, above the foliage, and is topped with a cluster of pinkish-lavender branches. In nature this plant grows in mostly full sun in an arid climate, receiving most of its moisture from nightly fogs. For best results keep in a bright and airy location.

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.

Once in the Pseudo-Catopsis subfamily of Tillandsia which was elevated to Racinaea. Native to the arid thorn forests of Ecuador and Northern Peru where colonies of hundreds stand out with their distinctive yellow coloration and most unusual, multi-branched, lace-like, almost white inflorescence. A most unusual species, certainly one of the best of the genus, with easy cultural requirements like that of most Tillandsias; Grow epiphytically or in well drained media in bright shade to nearly full sun and water as needed, once to a few times per week, keep drier in winter.

*VIPP plants are NOT in bud

Bill Timm's hybrid of (rolandgosselini x capitata 'Red'). A graceful rosette of arching, grayish leaves to about 24 inches across. The inflorescence is tall with long scape bracts that blush peach color, and a tight cluster of yellowish branches. 

A lovely hybrid of concolor x xerographica by Paul Isley. With the xerographica parent showing this plant is on C.I.T.E.S. 

C.I.T.E.S. - No Export

A somewhat controversial species, we originally obtained this plant as Tillandsia pucaraensis and have kept the original name. From Northern Peru with semi-soft gray foliage and a branched pink inflorescence, the narrow leaves form a leafy, upright rosette.

We have different clones from other growers but this one most closely agrees with Ehlers' original description and many other illustrated pucaraensis. There is no way for us to resolve the question of guelzii or pucaraensis but we can refer you to the Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies website for further discussion.

Our original photo (shown with bloom spike) is of a wild-collected plant. Our current generation of plants (photo without inflorescence) are much more lush due to the excellent care of our Tillandsia grower, Veronica, and her crew.