Species in Tillandsia

Often classified as Racinaea abbreviata. It is a mesic species with soft green leaves forming a tank or rosette. It requires different care than typical gray Tillandsias.

A medium-sized species with stiff, recurved gray-green leaves. It produces a colorful, long-lasting pink inflorescence with yellow-green flowers.

Tillandsia acuminata is a bromeliad in the genus Tillandsia, native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is an epiphytic species with elongated, narrow leaves that taper to a fine point, and produces a spike inflorescence with small tubular flowers.

Rare species endemic to Jamaica. Features gray-green leaves and a simple or few-branched inflorescence.

Distinctive caulescent species with stiff, polystichous leaves. The long inflorescence features flowers pressed flat against the rachis.

Tillandsia aequatorialis is a medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae. It produces rosettes of narrow, silvery-grey leaves covered with trichomes, and bears inflorescences with tubular flowers. The species is adapted to seasonally dry environments at moderate to high elevations.

An epiphytic species native to southern South America, characterized by reliable blooming and ease of cultivation. Forms dense cushions up to 30 cm tall with stiff, silver-green leaves arranged in a cone-like rosette. Produces inflorescences with rosy-pink bracts and blue-violet flowers that attract hummingbirds. One of the hardiest Tillandsias, tolerating temperatures near freezing. Similar in appearance to T. bergeri but distinguished by its flowering characteristics and offset production pattern.

Tillandsia afonsoana is a bromeliad in the genus Tillandsia, native to Brazil. It is an epiphytic species characterized by its silvery-gray trichome-covered leaves, which form a rosette. The leaves are narrow, stiff, and recurved, typical of xeric Tillandsia species adapted to drier conditions.

Tillandsia aguascalientensis is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae. It is a xeric type with silvery-gray leaves densely covered in trichomes, forming a compact rosette. The leaves are narrow and slightly recurved. It produces an inflorescence with pink to violet bracts and violet flowers.

One of the smallest known Tillandsia species, belonging to subgenus Diaphoranthema. Leaves are subsucculent, grey-blue, reaching a maximum of approximately 2 cm in length. Plants form small tufts of a few centimeters in diameter. Self-pollinating species that produces small brown flowers in spring. Native to dry, sunny habitats in the southern Andes.

Tillandsia albertiana is a small, clump-forming bromeliad native to northwestern Argentina. It produces narrow, silvery-green leaves covered in trichomes, arranged alternately along the stem. The species bears vivid red three-petaled flowers that emerge directly from the leaf axils without a visible peduncle.

Caulescent, branched, polycarpic species forming caespitose colonies. Plants reach 35 to 80 cm in height at flowering. Leaves are densely polystichous, narrowly triangular, long-attenuate, and densely covered with pale cinereous trichomes. The inflorescence is terminal with bright red scape bracts. Flowers are greenish-white with pale green sepals. Endemic to a limited number of canyons in northeastern Mexico within the Sierra Madre Oriental.

Critically endangered species endemic to Alcatrazes Island. Large rosette with green leaves.

Tillandsia alfredo-laui is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae. It forms a compact rosette of narrow, silvery-gray leaves densely covered in trichomes, a morphological trait characteristic of xeric Tillandsia species. The leaves are rigid and slightly channeled. The inflorescence is short, bearing tubular flowers. The species was named in honor of Alfred Lau, a collector known for his work on succulent plants in Mexico.

Recently described species from Peru. Soft-leaved epiphyte found in wet montane forests.

Tillandsia alvareziae is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae. It produces a rosette of silvery-green leaves densely covered with trichomes, characteristic of xeric-type Tillandsia. The inflorescence bears pink to red bracts with violet flowers.

Tillandsia andicola is a small, tufted epiphytic bromeliad native to the Andean regions of South America. It forms dense rosettes of narrow, silvery-gray leaves covered in trichomes, typical of xeric-type Tillandsia. The plant produces small flowers that may be violet or purple in color. It is adapted to high-altitude environments with intense solar radiation, low temperatures, and significant diurnal temperature fluctuations.

A small species forming a distinctive spherical rosette of fine, needle-like green leaves radiating outward from a central point, typically 7 to 10 cm in diameter. Predominantly saxicolous, growing on cliff faces, and rarely epiphytic. Produces a single large tubular red flower from the center of the rosette. Leaves may blush orange to red prior to flowering. Taxonomically close to T. funckiana, sharing similar growth form and flower morphology.

Tillandsia andreettae is a small epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to the Andes of Ecuador. It forms a rosette of narrow, silvery leaves densely covered with trichomes, a morphology typical of xeric Tillandsia species adapted to periodic drought. The inflorescence is short, bearing pink to red bracts from which tubular violet to purple flowers emerge.

Tillandsia andrieuxii is a xeric epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Mexico. It forms a compact rosette with rigid, silvery-grey leaves densely covered in trichomes that absorb moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere. The species produces an inflorescence bearing small tubular flowers. As a silver-leaved species, it is well adapted to semi-arid environments with high light intensity and low rainfall.

Tillandsia angulosa is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Central America and northern South America. It is a small to medium-sized species characterized by stiff, angular leaves densely covered with silvery trichomes, producing a gray-green coloration typical of xeric Tillandsia species. The leaves are arranged in a rosette with a notably angular cross-section, which is reflected in the species epithet 'angulosa' (Latin for 'angular'). It produces a simple or branched inflorescence bearing tubular flowers.

An epiphytic species native to the Caribbean region, described by L.B. Smith in 1949. It has slender, tapering leaves and a branched inflorescence. The species is relatively uncommon in cultivation compared to other members of the genus.

A Peruvian species with soft, green leaves that form a loose rosette. The floral bracts are often brightly colored.

A caulescent species with stiff, succulent, recurved leaves growing along a sturdy stem. It often grows on rocks near the ocean, tolerating salty air.

Tillandsia areiensis is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Central America. It forms a rosette of narrow, stiff leaves densely covered with trichomes, giving the foliage a silvery-gray appearance typical of xeric Tillandsia species. The inflorescence produces pink to red bracts with violet to purple flowers.

An epiphytic species in subgenus Allardtia. The species epithet "arenicola" means "sand dweller," suggesting adaptation to sandy or arenaceous substrates in its native habitat. Detailed morphological and ecological information for this species remains limited in accessible literature.

A striking lithophyte with rigid, silvery-white leaves forming a large, symmetric rosette. Known for its beautiful white flowers.

Often confused with T. fuchsii, the true T. argentea has a branching inflorescence, clear leaf sheaths, and produces bright red flowers. Forms a small, grassy tuft.

A small lithophytic, clustering species growing to about 5 cm despite its name being derived from a geographical reference rather than the country Argentina. It is native to Bolivia, where grapefruit-sized clusters grow on rocky cliffs. The leaves are short, stiff, and rather succulent, covered with dark gray trichomes. The inflorescence is simple, broadly lanceolate, strongly flattened, up to 45 mm long and 15 mm wide, bearing 4 to 7 flowers. Petals are widely flaring, pink, approximately 13 mm across.

A distinct species with elongated stems and silvery-gray leaves, often found growing in dry, rocky environments.

A rare species with a pseudobulbous base and relatively smooth leaves. It is related to T. pruinosa but has distinct glabrous or sparsely lepidote foliage.

Tillandsia arpocalyx is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Mexico. It forms a compact rosette of narrow, silvery leaves densely covered with trichomes. The inflorescence produces tubular flowers characteristic of the genus Tillandsia.

A lithophytic species with a compact rosette of tapering leaves. It is native to high-altitude rocky regions.

A silver-leafed species that produces a beautiful rose-colored inflorescence and violet flowers. It is adapted to dry tropical forests.

An epiphytic species native to the regions around Lake Atitlan. It features soft, greenish leaves and a tall flower spike.

Tillandsia atroviolacea is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Mexico. It is a medium-sized xeric species forming a rosette of stiff, recurved leaves densely covered with silvery trichomes. Under high light conditions, the foliage develops a deep violet to dark purple coloration, which is reflected in the species epithet 'atroviolacea', derived from the Latin 'atro-' (dark) and 'violaceus' (violet). The inflorescence bears tubular flowers typical of the genus.

Tillandsia atroviridipetala is a xeric bromeliad species in the genus Tillandsia, characterized by its dark green petals, which is reflected in its specific epithet meaning 'dark green petals.' It forms a rosette of stiff, silvery-gray leaves covered in trichomes, and produces a spike inflorescence with distinctive dark green to nearly black petals, which is unusual within the genus.

Tillandsia aurea is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Ecuador and Peru. It is a medium-sized xeric species with narrow, recurved leaves densely covered in trichomes, giving the foliage a silvery-gray appearance. The leaves form a spreading rosette. The specific epithet 'aurea' derives from the Latin for 'golden,' referring to the yellow flower color.

Tillandsia australis is a lithophytic and epiphytic bromeliad native to southern South America. It produces narrow, linear leaves covered with dense silver-gray trichomes, forming a loose rosette. The leaves are stiff and grass-like in texture. The inflorescence is a simple or branched spike bearing tubular flowers that are violet to purple in color. This species tolerates cold temperatures, including light frost, and is adapted to exposed, high-light environments at varying altitudes.

Tillandsia azuayensis is a bromeliad species in the genus Tillandsia, native to the Azuay Province of Ecuador. It is a small to medium-sized epiphytic species with silvery-grey leaves covered in trichomes, characteristic of xeric-type tillandsias. The leaves are narrow and form a rosette habit. It produces inflorescences with tubular flowers.

Tillandsia baguagrandensis is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Peru. It is a small to medium-sized epiphytic tillandsia with silvery-gray leaves covered in trichomes, characteristic of xeric-type species. The leaves are narrow and arranged in a rosette form. It produces inflorescences with bracts and flowers typical of the genus.

A medium-sized pseudobulbous species described by Rose ex Small. The plant reaches 25 to 35 cm in height and forms a swollen, hollow base from which few long, flexible, silvery-grey leaves extend and recurve. The leaf surfaces are densely covered with trichomes. The inflorescence is simple, bearing pink floral bracts and tubular mauve to purple flowers approximately 3 cm in length. The species is myrmecophytic; in its natural habitat, the hollow pseudobulb frequently harbors ant colonies. It produces offsets freely from the base and readily forms clumps. The species grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome as an epiphyte, with preferred host trees including Quercus virginiana and Ebenopsis ebano.

A saxicolous species from the Amazonas region of Peru. It is caulescent (stem-forming) with densely lepidote, silver-gray leaves and produces violet flowers.

A widely distributed pseudobulbous species described by Schultes & Schultes f. in 1830, with the common name northern needleleaf. The plant forms clumps of 2 to 10 pseudobulbs, reaching up to approximately 60 cm in height when in bloom. The leaves are strongly recurved, covered with dense appressed lepidote trichomes, with an acuminate apex, reaching up to 40 cm in length. The inflated leaf bases form a bulging rosette approximately 14 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike up to approximately 18 cm long, with reddish-yellow bracts subtending purple flowers. The sepals are green and unfused, petals are purple, and the 6 stamens are exserted beyond the petals. The fruit is a capsule with tufted seeds for wind dispersal. The species grows in the seasonally dry tropical biome, primarily as an epiphyte on shrubs and trees in dry broadleaf evergreen formations.

Tillandsia baliophylla is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Mexico. It is a small to medium-sized xeric species forming a compact rosette of narrow, arching leaves densely covered in silvery trichomes. The trichome layer gives the foliage a silver-gray appearance and functions to reflect intense solar radiation and absorb atmospheric moisture. Inflorescences are simple or branched, bearing tubular flowers typical of the genus.

Tillandsia balsasensis is a xeric bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae. It is a small to medium-sized epiphytic or lithophytic plant characterized by silvery-gray leaves densely covered with trichomes (specialized scales that absorb moisture and nutrients from the air). The leaves are narrow, stiff, and recurved, forming a rosette typical of xeric Tillandsia species. It produces tubular flowers, though detailed floral morphology documentation for this species is limited.

A miniature species with stiff, gray, distichous leaves growing in a fan shape. It produces fragrant blue to violet flowers and forms spherical clumps.

Native to southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). A small, grey-leaved epiphyte often found growing in clumps. It has a simple inflorescence with pale blue to violet flowers.

Tillandsia barbeyana is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Cuba and the southern tip of Florida. It forms a medium-sized rosette of stiff, linear leaves densely covered in silvery trichomes, giving the foliage a gray appearance. The inflorescence bears tubular flowers with violet to purple petals. The dense trichome coverage classifies this species as a xeric type.

Native to the dry coastal regions of Ecuador. It forms a rosette of gray-green leaves and produces a striking inflorescence with pinkish bracts and dark petals.

A distinctive species from central Paraguay with dull, light grey leaves covered in trichomes. Related to T. lorentziana but distinguished by two-colored floral bracts (dark green at base, reddish toward apex) and white flowers. Endemic to the mountainous regions of Paraguay.

Tillandsia barrosoae is a bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, endemic to northeastern Mexico. It is a xeric species with narrow, recurved leaves densely covered in trichomes, giving the foliage a silvery-gray coloration. The leaves form a compact rosette, and the plant produces an inflorescence bearing tubular flowers.

An epiphytic species described by Rauh in 1974, placed in subgenus Tillandsia (= Platystachys). The rosette reaches approximately 40 cm in height with a moderately bulbous base about 10 cm in diameter. The leaf sheaths are roundish-oval, densely covered with dark brown appressed trichomes. The leaf blades are narrowly triangular, up to 30 cm long and 2 cm wide near the sheath, involute, with dense grey appressed trichomes beneath and sparse trichomes above. The scape is 5 to 15 cm long, shorter than the rosette, erect but curving downward at the apex. The inflorescence is pendulous, up to 40 cm long, bipinnate, with narrow spikes bearing bicolored floral bracts in orange-yellow and green. The flowers are yellow. The species grows primarily in the wet tropical biome of Ecuador.

Distributed from the southeastern USA to Mexico. A grassy species with thin, filiform leaves that grows in clumps. It prefers humid habitats like swamps and hammocks.

Tillandsia bella is a small epiphytic bromeliad endemic to Bolivia. It forms a distichous rosette of triangular, silvery-trichome-covered leaves. The inflorescence is a simple or occasionally branched spike bearing pink to red bracts and violet tubular flowers. It is a xeric species adapted to dry inter-Andean environments.

Tillandsia belloensis is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, endemic to Guatemala. It forms a compact rosette of narrow, silvery-gray leaves densely covered in trichomes. The inflorescence bears pink to red bracts with violet to purple tubular flowers.

Tillandsia bergeri is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad native to Argentina. It produces narrow, silvery-green leaves arranged in a rosette and bears tubular blue to violet flowers. It is known for producing numerous offsets, forming dense clusters over time.

Tillandsia bergiana is a terrestrial or saxicolous bromeliad native to Argentina. It forms dense clumps of narrow, channeled leaves densely covered in silvery-gray trichomes, classifying it as a xeric species. The leaves are stiff and linear, reaching up to approximately 30 cm in length. It produces an erect, simple or occasionally branched spike bearing bright red bracts and violet to purple tubular flowers.

Tillandsia bermejoensis is a saxicolous bromeliad endemic to Bolivia. It forms compact rosettes of narrow, stiff leaves densely covered with trichomes, giving the plant a silvery-grey coloration typical of xeric Tillandsia species. The inflorescence bears pink to red bracts with violet flowers.

Tillandsia bernalensis is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, endemic to Oaxaca, Mexico. It forms a compact rosette of narrow, silvery-gray leaves densely covered in trichomes. The inflorescence bears tubular flowers typical of the xeric Tillandsia group. It is adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions with a pronounced dry season.

Tillandsia beutelspacheri is a medium to large epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Mexico. The leaves are elongated and silver-green, densely covered with trichomes that reflect light and reduce water loss. The inflorescence is compound and branched, bearing violet to purple flowers. It is classified as a xeric-type Tillandsia, adapted to seasonally dry conditions with well-developed trichomes for atmospheric moisture absorption.

A green-leaved mesic species from the wettest tropical habitats. Forms rosettes of silver-green leaves and produces violet flowers. Requires higher humidity than many common Tillandsia species. Best grown in greenhouse or terrarium conditions.

A species with broad, soft, light green leaves, native to Peru. It prefers shady and humid environments unlike typical xeric Tillandsia.

A small saxicolous or epiphytic species from Mexico. It has succulent, tapering leaves and forms clumps.

A rare epiphytic species native to the high Andes of Ecuador. Information in cultivation is limited.

Tillandsia boliviana is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Bolivia and surrounding Andean regions. It forms rosettes of narrow, silvery-green leaves covered in trichomes, which aid in water and nutrient absorption. It produces a spike inflorescence with tubular flowers.

Native to Bolivia, this species is adapted to drier inter-Andean valleys. It features trichome-covered leaves to retain moisture.

A striking species from Peru, known for its large size and pink floral bracts. It grows on rock faces or trees.

A species native to Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, described as new to science in 2013. It is morphologically most similar to Tillandsia didisticha.

Native to the dry Chaco region of Paraguay. This xeric species has stiff, trichome-covered leaves adapted to arid environments.

A species native to the states of Durango and Sinaloa in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico, growing epiphytically in pine-oak forests. Described in 2007. Related species include Tillandsia carloshankii, Tillandsia prodigiosa, and Tillandsia macrochlamys.

Endemic to Puerto Rico. It grows in moist limestone forests and has soft, green leaves, indicating a preference for humid conditions.

A saxicolous or epiphytic species from Baja California, Mexico. It has stiff, gray leaves densely covered in trichomes, making it very hardy.

Native to Veracruz, Mexico. It forms a tank-type rosette with green leaves that can turn reddish in strong light.

A large, impressive species from the mountains of Mexico. It features a large rosette of silver-gray leaves and a tall, branched inflorescence.

A Tillandsia native to dry woods and forests from Mexico to Venezuela. Forms a spreading rosette of long, attenuate leaves covered with finely appressed scales. Characterized by its color transformation—the entire plant changes from silvery-green to rosy pink, intensifying to cherry red during flowering. The species name means "short stem" in Greek, referring to its compact inflorescence. Often found growing alongside T. ionantha and T. xerographica in its native habitat.

A rare lithophytic species endemic to Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil. The plant has a distinctive form with short, soft, densely lepidote leaves that are dramatically rounded at the tip. It is related to T. gardneri, T. geminiflora, T. kautskyi, and T. sprengeliana. The inflorescence is short and compound with pinkish-red bracts and magenta flowers. In its natural habitat, it grows on nearly vertical rock walls at high elevations, which protects it from collectors.

A small lithophytic species from Argentina. It grows in clumps on rock walls and has gray, lepidote leaves.

Native to Ecuador, this species is found in moist forests. It has soft leaves that are often spotted or banded with purple.

Often classified as Racinaea brevilingua. A small species from the Andes with soft, green leaves, adapted to cool, cloud forest environments.

A small epiphytic species native to Colombia and Ecuador. Often classified under the genus Racinaea, it has soft, green leaves and prefers cool, moist environments.

Endemic to the high Andes of Colombia. This species resembles Tillandsia turneri but is smaller, growing in sub-paramo vegetation.

Native to Paraguay. It features a rosette of stiff, recurved, silver-gray leaves and produces a simple or digitate inflorescence.

A Tillandsia characterized by a bulbous pseudobulb base and long, twisted, tentacle-like leaves. Native to tropical regions from Mexico to Brazil, found in mangrove thickets, open woods, and along riverbanks. The swollen base often houses ant colonies in a mutualistic relationship—the ants provide nutrients while receiving shelter. Blooms with cherry-red bracts and violet tubular flowers. One of the few Tillandsias tolerant of higher humidity and lower airflow, making it suitable for terrariums.

A rare lithophytic species from Bahia, Brazil, named after renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx who collected the type specimen. Forms clumps with stems up to 30 cm long that hang down with tips curving upward. Leaves are numerous, spirally arranged, very thick and succulent, nearly terete (cylindrical), only 2-4 cm long. Densely covered in gray trichomes. Produces simple inflorescences with 3-5 flowers having yellow-green bracts and white petals. Supremely adapted to harsh exposed rock cliff faces.

A tank-type epiphyte native to the northern Andes, often reclassified as Racinaea buseri. It has broad, green leaves and inhabits cloud forests.

A small to medium-sized pseudobulbous green-leaved (mesic) species described by Mez in 1935. The leaves are few, soft, long, and sinuous, emerging from a conspicuously swollen pseudobulbous base. The leaf blades are thin, hard, and involute in the upper portion, characteristically mottled with dark brown or reddish-brown irregular markings on a green background. The inflorescence is a slender spike borne on a thin, erect scape, with bright red bracts and tubular blue-violet to purple flowers. The species is myrmecophytic; in its natural habitat, symbiotic ants nest within the broadened leaf bases of the pseudobulb. It grows as an epiphyte, often forming large colonies in humid montane forests from central Mexico to Panama. A variety with pinkish flowers, var. roseiflora, has been described.

A saxicolous species from Guerrero, Mexico. It has thick, succulent, gray leaves that form a bulbous base and a striking red inflorescence.

Tillandsia cacticola is a silvery-leaved epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru. It typically grows on cacti and other xerophytic plants in arid environments. It produces a branched inflorescence with lavender to pale purple flowers and distinctive inflated bracts.

Known for its sweetly fragrant, purple flowers. A small, caulescent species with silver-gray leaves, native to the dry forests of Ecuador and Peru.

Endemic to Peru. It is a saxicolous or epiphytic species with gray-lepidote leaves, producing a red floral spike.

Native to Jamaica, restricted to limestone formations. It resembles T. utriculata but is smaller and grows lithophytically.

Endemic to Mexico. An epiphytic species with a rosette of gray-green leaves and a pink inflorescence, found in dry forests.

A small, clump-forming species native to Bolivia and Argentina. It has brownish-gray leaves and produces fragrant, brown-spotted yellow flowers.

A large epiphytic species native to Mexico. It features a rosette of wide, green leaves and produces a colorful, branched inflorescence.

Native to Mexico and Guatemala. A robust species with soft, gray-green leaves forming a dense rosette, often turning reddish before blooming.

Historically treated as a species but often considered a synonym or variety of Tillandsia fasciculata. It shares the characteristic stiff, gray leaves and colorful spikes.

A striking species from Oaxaca, Mexico. It has a large rosette of flexible, sub-glabrous leaves and a densely branched, colorful inflorescence.

Endemic to Colombia. This species inhabits cloud forests and is characterized by its thin leaves and specific floral structure.

A saxicolous species from the dry valleys of Bolivia. It has stiff, gray, lepidote leaves and grows in clumps on rocks.

Native to Central America. A large epiphyte with soft, green leaves covered in fine scales, producing a tall, branched inflorescence.

A Caribbean species found in Cuba and Jamaica. It is a small epiphyte with gray-green leaves, sometimes confused with T. berteroniana.

Tillandsia capillaris is a small, highly variable epiphytic bromeliad distributed across a wide range in South America. It has very slender, hair-like silvery leaves and produces small, tubular flowers. It commonly grows in large clusters on trees, cacti, and rocks.

Endemic to Mexico. It forms a rosette of gray, lepidote leaves and produces a simple, flattened inflorescence with yellow flowers.

A highly variable and hardy species native to Mexico and the Caribbean, growing both epiphytically on trees and saxicolously on rocks and cliff faces. Forms a rosette of soft, velvety, silvery-green leaves that change to peach, pink, or red when approaching bloom. Extremely variable in size and coloration, with numerous cultivars including Peach, Red, Yellow, and Maroon forms. One of the most drought-tolerant Tillandsias. Produces purple tubular flowers from a compact head-like inflorescence.

One of the most widespread and commonly cultivated Tillandsia species, named for its resemblance to the serpentine hair of the mythological Medusa. Features thick, channeled leaves up to 25 cm long that twist and curl from an inflated pseudobulb base. The bulbous base often hosts ant colonies in the wild. Native from Mexico through Central America, distributed from sea level to 2,400 meters. Produces red inflorescences with violet tubular flowers. A silver-leaved species adapted to drought conditions.

Native to Bolivia. It resembles T. vernicosa but differs in floral details. The leaves are stiff and gray, adapted to seasonally dry habitats.

A large tank-type epiphytic bromeliad with countless narrow, silvery gray leaves and a tall inflorescence with bright red bracts bearing long, ribbon-like tips. It is native to high-elevation oak-pine forests in southern Mexico. The species has been the subject of ecological research regarding its host preferences and arthropod communities.

An endemic species from Chiapas, Mexico, characterized by a unique rosette with drooping lower leaves and semi-erect upper leaves, producing a digitate inflorescence.

Tillandsia carminea is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to Ecuador and Peru. It produces narrow, silver-scaled leaves and vivid carmine-red floral bracts with tubular violet flowers, making the inflorescence visually distinctive.

A relatively large species native to the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia, found growing epiphytically or lithophytically.

An epiphytic species native to Colombia, typically growing in wet tropical biomes.

A rupicolous species from the dry forests of Guatemala, featuring a long inflorescence with purple flowers.

A pseudobulbous species native to Costa Rica, known for its distinct castaneous (chestnut-colored) bulbous base.

An epilithic species endemic to the Atlantic Forest domain in Espirito Santo, Brazil, often found on rocky outcrops.

A small, highly xerophytic species of the subgenus Diaphoranthema, endemic to arid environments in Argentina.

A small, high-altitude species native to the Amazonian slopes of the Andes in Ecuador, featuring dark violet petals.

An endemic lithophytic species restricted to the Caatinga vegetation of the Catimbau National Park in northeastern Brazil.

Tillandsia caulescens is a caulescent (stem-forming) epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It develops an elongated stem bearing small, silver-scaled leaves arranged alternately, and produces a simple spike inflorescence with tubular flowers.

Tillandsia cauliflora is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It is characterized by its caulescent growth habit and produces flowers along the stem. The leaves are narrow and covered with silver scales.

Tillandsia cauligera is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru. It is a caulescent species with elongated stems and narrow, silver-scaled leaves. The inflorescence is a simple spike bearing tubular flowers.

Tillandsia cees-goudae is a species of epiphytic bromeliad named in honor of Cees Gouda, a Dutch botanist. It is native to South America and belongs to the silver-leaved (xeric) group, with narrow, trichome-covered leaves.

Tillandsia celata is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to Brazil. It belongs to the green-leaved (mesic) group and typically grows in humid forest environments. The leaves are soft and green, arranged in a rosette.

Tillandsia cereicola is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. As the name suggests, it is commonly found growing on columnar cacti (Cereus and related genera). It has silver-scaled, narrow leaves typical of xeric species.

Tillandsia cernua is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to Mexico and Central America. It has narrow, recurved leaves covered with silver trichomes and produces a simple inflorescence with small tubular flowers. The species name 'cernua' refers to the nodding or drooping habit of the inflorescence.

Tillandsia cerosa is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It has narrow, silvery leaves forming a compact rosette. The inflorescence produces distichous (two-ranked) floral bracts with tubular flowers.

Tillandsia cerrateana is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru. It belongs to the xeric group and is characterized by its dense trichome coverage giving the leaves a silvery appearance. The species was described from specific localities in Peru.

Tillandsia chacomasensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to the Chaco region of South America. It features silvery, narrow leaves adapted to the hot and seasonally dry climate of the Gran Chaco.

Tillandsia chaetophylla is an epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It is characterized by very slender, thread-like (chaetophyllous) leaves densely covered with trichomes. It typically forms clumps on trees and shrubs.

Tillandsia chalcatzingensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Mexico, specifically described from the Chalcatzingo area of Morelos state. It is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and features silvery trichome-covered leaves.

Tillandsia champaraensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru, described from the Champará area. It has characteristics typical of Andean xeric tillandsias, with silvery leaves and adaptations to dry montane environments.

Tillandsia chapalillaensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Mexico, described from the Chapalilla area of Nayarit state. It has narrow, trichome-covered leaves adapted to seasonally dry tropical forests.

Tillandsia chapeuensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Brazil. It belongs to the xeric silver-leaved group, characterized by a dense covering of trichomes (specialized scales) that give the leaves a silvery-gray appearance. It is associated with the cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and related open, seasonally dry vegetation.

Tillandsia chartacea is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Ecuador and Peru. Its name derives from the papery texture ('chartacea' means paper-like) of its floral bracts. It has green to grayish leaves and produces a distinctive flattened inflorescence.

A saxicolous species described in 2023 by H. Hrom. and L. Hrom., endemic to Chiapas, Mexico. It grows on rock formations on the slope of a low forested mountain. The species name is derived from the town of Chicoasen in the municipality of the same name, north of the Rio Grijalva.

A saxicolous species with very thick leaves covered with dense silver trichomes and extremely heavy, wire-like roots for anchoring to rocks. It resembles T. lorentziana but is distinguished by green floral bracts and larger white flowers. The floral bracts are erect, lance-like, acuminate, approximately 2.5 cm long and 6 mm wide, green with scattered white lepidote scales. Petals are white, approximately 4 cm long.

A recently described species from the high-elevation forests of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, near Bogota. Named after Chingaza National Park where it was discovered. The species is notable for its floral parts densely covered with a resin-like substance and exceptionally long fruits. Although it has distichous flowers and petal appendages, morphological affinities place it in Tillandsia subgenus Allardtia rather than Vriesea.

An epiphytic species with narrow, reddish-green leaves forming a rosette approximately 30 cm in diameter. The inflorescence reaches about 30 cm and displays crimson bracts. Flowers are small and white, blooming from March to May. The species grows in wet tropical forests at approximately 400 m elevation.

An epiphytic perennial species in the family Bromeliaceae, growing to approximately 20 cm. It has a distinctive grey-toned appearance. Also known under the synonym Vriesea chontalensis. The species grows primarily in wet tropical environments as an epiphyte on trees.

Tillandsia chusgonensis is native to Peru, where it grows on rock cliffs. Named after the Río Chusgón valley, it bears leaves densely covered with long trichomes giving a silvery-white appearance, similar to T. tectorum.

Tillandsia circinnatioides is an epiphyte endemic to south-central Mexico (Puebla, México, Guerrero, Oaxaca), growing on cacti, trees, and shrubs in dry areas at 600–1500 m.

Tillandsia clavigera occurs in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. In central Peru it grows as a rupicolous plant on steep rocks at about 2400 m.

A small saxicolous species with a distinctive spike, discovered in 2005 and formally described in 2008. Related to T. durangensis but distinguished by long dark brown leaf sheaths, leaf blades only 2 cm wide above the sheath, a much shorter inflorescence stem of 10 to 15 cm, and shorter but wider spikes measuring 6 to 12 cm long and up to 2.5 cm wide.

An epiphytic species endemic to Bolivia, described by E. Gross and Rauh. It forms large clumps with rooting stems 3 to 6 cm long spreading abundantly from the base. Single rosettes grow to 17 cm high with approximately 10 leaves forming an 8 cm high, 10 cm diameter rosette. The leaf sheath is indistinct, approximately 2 cm high and 1.5 cm wide, pale violet in color, glabrous on the upper surface and densely lepidote beneath. Flowers have bluish violet petals with white at the base.

A saxicolous, pulvinate species, often branched, with stout brown roots. Flowering height is 10 to 15 cm, with a caulescent stem longer than the rosette, up to 13 cm long. The rosette is up to 7 cm in diameter with 12 to 14 polystichous leaves, 3 to 7 cm long. Leaves are coriaceous to sub-succulent with an asymmetric keel, green-grey, covered with appressed cinereous scales. Named after Australian bromeliad enthusiast Len Colgan. Related to T. friesii and T. hegeri but distinguished by stem length, inflorescence structure, and violet petals.

Tillandsia colorata is an epiphyte native to Argentina (Salta), occurring in the subtropical biome.

Tillandsia comarapaensis is endemic to Bolivia (Dpto. Santa Cruz), described from near Comarapa. It grows in dry thorn scrub at about 1700–1850 m elevation.

An epiphytic species with rigid, leathery leaves of pale greenish color. The inflorescence is more robust than related species, with flowers larger than the rachis and broadly suborbicular floral bracts. Distinguished from T. makoyana by its green rather than grey coloration, shorter but wider leaves, and white flowers with a slightly open throat rather than violet flowers with a closed throat. Formally described by R. Ehlers in 2006.

An epiphytic bromeliad that grows a rosette of broad, straplike leaves often intensely mottled with red. It produces a large, pendulous red inflorescence. The plant has a dense rosette structure with silvery-green leaves covered in tiny scales that assist moisture absorption. Widespread but not common in cloud forests along the Andes.

A natural hybrid between T. complanata and T. ionochroma, described by Werner Rauh in 1977. The leaves are green with violet spots. The plant produces several axillary arching inflorescences similar to T. complanata, but with bipinnate and narrow cylindric spikes. Found growing at 2800 m in cloud forest environments.

An acaulescent epiphytic species, 12 to 25 cm tall, with a spreading rosette of many pale green leaves, often streaked or spotted with purple-red. It produces multiple inflorescences from the leaf axils. Petals are ligulate, approximately 2 cm long, and rose, purple, or blue in color. The capsule is slenderly cylindric and acute, 4 cm long.

Tillandsia compressa ranges from Mexico through Central America to Colombia and the Caribbean. It is a perennial or epiphyte of the seasonally dry tropical biome.

Tillandsia comulcoensis is a saxicolous species endemic to Puebla, Mexico, growing on rocks near the Río Comulco at around 2000 m elevation.

Tillandsia concolor is an epiphyte native from southern Mexico to El Salvador, occurring in the seasonally dry tropical biome at elevations of about 500–1200 m.

A medium-sized mesic species approximately 25 cm tall, found in montane forests. The gray-green leaves sometimes tint reddish in strong light. The inflorescence is branched with bright red-orange scape bracts and reddish floral bracts coated with a waxy powder, bearing purple flowers. Described by Andre in 1888.

Tillandsia copalaensis is an epiphyte endemic to Oaxaca, Mexico, occurring in the seasonally dry tropical biome.

Tillandsia copanensis is an epiphyte endemic to Honduras, restricted to river canyons in the northwest near the Guatemalan border, where it grows high on vertical limestone cliffs.

Tillandsia copynii is an epiphyte native to Brazil (Minas Gerais), occurring in the seasonally dry tropical biome.

Tillandsia cossonii is recorded from high-elevation localities in Mexico, including Guerrero (Puerto del Gallo, ~2700 m) and Colima (Nevado de Colima, ~2500 m).

A species endemic to Bolivia, belonging to subgenus Diaphoranthema. It was described in 1984, with the type specimen collected in 1979 from the mountains near Cotagaita in the Potosi Department. Grows epiphytically on Oreocereus neocelsianus cacti in association with T. caliginosa.

An epiphytic species endemic to Mexico, characterized by a clumping habit and larger leaf stems with white or grey lepidote trichomes. The species name refers to its chalky, cretaceous appearance.

Tillandsia crista-galli is an epiphyte endemic to Chiapas, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border. The type was collected between Motozintla and Tapachula at about 1800 m in the wet tropical biome.

A small epiphytic species, scarcely over 20 cm tall, described by Baker in 1888. The type specimen was collected from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.

Tillandsia cryptopoda is an epiphyte found in Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, growing in forest at 1500–2350 m elevation.

A species endemic to Ecuador, found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. The species is threatened by habitat loss.

Tillandsia curvifolia is endemic to Guanajuato, Mexico, growing at 2200–2400 m in oak forest on rocky outcrops and hillsides. Originally described as T. tortilis subsp. curvifolia; some authors place it in the segregate genus Viridantha.

Tillandsia dasyliriifolia is a large epiphyte native to eastern and southern Mexico (Chiapas to San Luis Potosí), Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. It grows in moist lowland and seasonally dry forest up to about 800 m.

Tillandsia delicata is endemic to Mexico, occurring in the southwest of the country.

This species is native to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru, growing terrestrially or as an epiphyte in forests at elevations of 2000-3400m.

Native to the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, this species grows epiphytically in oak, pine and tropical deciduous forests at elevations of 1730 to 1960 m. The specific epithet refers to its bicolorous petals.

Found in Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, this species grows as an epiphyte in woodlands and is sometimes found on rocks, at elevations of 500-1440 m.

This species is known only from the type collection in Colima, Mexico.

A species distributed in southeastern Brazil, growing as an epiphyte in rainforest from sea level to 800 m.

Found in the Barranca del Cobre of Chihuahua, Mexico, growing on trees at about 1200 m. The specific epithet honours Elizabeth Gay of Tarzana, California.

Known from Narino in southern Colombia, growing on trees in forest at 2000 m on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera of Pasto. The species is known only from the type collection.

Occurs in Ecuador and Peru, growing epiphytically in dry open scrub and woodland at elevations of 200-900 m.

Native to northwestern Mexico, growing as an epiphyte in dry forests and thickets at elevations of 10 to 45 meters.

This species is distributed in the Ancash region of Peru, growing on steep rock walls at elevations of 500 to 2500 m.

A large, variable, tank-forming species lacking discernible stems. Leaves are arranged in a rosette, leathery, grey-green with a waxy coating, 30 to 80 cm in length, forming basal cups that hold water and detritus. The inflorescence is a panicle of spikes shorter than the leaves, with bright red bracts and violet to white flowers. A highly variable species with multiple recognized varieties. In the southeastern United States (Florida), populations are threatened by the invasive Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona).

Ranges across the Greater Antilles, Mexico and Central America, growing as an epiphyte in forest at elevations of 25 to 1,000 m.

A medium-sized stemless species forming a dense, rounded rosette of numerous fine, thread-like leaves approximately 7 cm in length. The species name means "thread-leaved." Leaf sheaths are grape-violet to chestnut-colored with small, dispersed trichomes. The inflorescence is bipinnate with many slender spikes bearing small flowers with violet petals. Grows as an epiphyte in seasonally dry tropical forests.

Known as the Twisted Air Plant, it has thick, stiff leaves that spiral around the stem. It is unique for its viviparous reproduction, producing offsets on the inflorescence.

Occurs in Cundinamarca and Valle in Colombia and in Loja in Ecuador, growing as an epiphyte in forest and on paramo between 1800 and 3300 m.

Distinctive caulescent (stem-forming) air plant with needle-like leaves resembling small pine branches. Produces spectacular scarlet-red tubular flowers. Forms long, draping clumps over time. Named after Belgian botanist Nicolas Funck.

This species is native to Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, growing as an epiphyte in dry forests at elevations of 500-850m.

Native to Cochabamba in Bolivia, where it is known from the area between Tarata and Capinota. It grows on rocks at 2,560-2,600 m elevation.

A species from Oaxaca in Mexico, ranging from Tequisistlán to Totolapan, where it grows saxicolously on canyon walls.

Native to Minas Gerais in Brazil, where it grows on rocks. The specific epithet derives from Grao Mogol, the area of the type locality.

Native to the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, with the type collection made near Petropolis. The specific epithet honours the botanist Graziela M. Barroso.

Native to Colima, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Michoacan in Mexico, growing epiphytically in tropical deciduous and oak forests at elevations of 680 to 1,850 m.

Occurs in Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Bolivar and Chimborazo in Ecuador, growing terrestrially between 2400 and 3000 m in gorges, along roadsides and on the clay walls used to divide fields. The species is named in honour of Nancy Groves.

This species is distributed in Zacapa, Guatemala, growing on rocks near the Teculutan river at an elevation of around 500 m.

A caulescent lithophytic species that grows on rocks. It features a distinct star-shaped rosette with stiff, trichome-covered leaves. It often forms large mats in its native habitat.

Native to the state of Bahia in Brazil, this species grows at an elevation of around 1000 m. The type specimen was collected on Morro do Pai Inacio in the Chapada Diamantina.

A species distributed in Cajamarca in northern Peru, growing saxicolous on cliffs at elevations of 1,000 to 1,100 m. The specific epithet was given after Hilda Rauh, the wife of Werner Rauh.

This species is native to Honduras, growing on steep rock walls within pine forests at an elevation of 1800m.

Native to the Ancash region of Peru around Huaraz, this species grows on rocks. The type specimen was collected on the heights above Huaraz.

Found in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte on oaks at elevations of 1300 to 1600 m. The specific epithet honours Ilse Zecher, who first recognised the species in the field.

Native to the Sud Cinti area of Bolivia.

This species is native to Colombia and Ecuador, growing terrestrially, on rocks, or as an epiphyte in sunny habitats at elevations of 500-3200m.

A popular small epiphytic species that forms compact rosettes. The leaves turn vivid red during the blooming cycle, producing purple tubular flowers. It clumps readily over time.

Occurs in Ecuador and Peru, growing as an epiphyte in woodland at elevations of 2,300 to 3,900 m.

Native to the state of Bahia in Brazil, growing on the steep faces of inselbergs at elevations of 400 to 1000 m.

This species is widely distributed from Mexico through the Greater Antilles to Bolivia, growing terrestrially or epiphytically at elevations from 5 to 2416m.

Native to Honduras, growing epiphytically on coffee and mahogany trees at about 1,200 m elevation. It has been recorded near Gracias and in the area around Juticalpa.

Native to Loja in Ecuador, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees in bush vegetation at about 2250 m. It grows solitarily or in small groups, propagating by shoots at the base of the rosette. The specific epithet honors Karine Bracke, who supported the study of Ecuadorian bromeliads with her husband Jose Manzanares.

This species is distributed in Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro states, Brazil, growing epiphytically in moist mountain forests at elevations of 700 to 1000 m. The specific epithet honors its discoverer, Roberto Kautsky.

Ranges from Panama to northeastern Brazil, growing as an epiphyte in forest from sea level to 900 m. The type specimen was collected at Paramaribo in Suriname.

Occurs along the Río Pachachaca in Apurímac, Peru, near the bridge between Abancay and Andahuaylas, and is known only from the type locality. It grows on rock walls at an elevation of 2500 m. Its epithet honors its discoverer, E. Kirschnek.

This species is native to the San Marcos-San Pablo region of Guatemala, growing at an elevation of 2200m. Its species epithet honors its discoverer, Manfred Kretz.

This species occurs in Bolivia, growing as a terrestrial plant in rich open places at elevations of 900 to 1800 m.

Recorded from Michoacán, Mexico. The species is known only from the type collection, made in 1898.

Native to Oaxaca in Mexico, where it occurs at about 1800 m. The type specimen was collected at Copala by Alfred B. Lau, for whom the species is named.

Native to Huehuetenango in Guatemala and to Mexico, growing epiphytically on pine trees.

Native to the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, where it is known only from the type collection made in the extreme north of the state.

Tillandsia loliacea is distributed across Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, growing as a lithophyte and epiphyte in semi-arid habitats up to elevations of around 1500 m.

Native to Mexico, where it grows saxicolously on rock faces and as an epiphyte in pine and oak forest at elevations of 1,800 to 3,200 m.

Occurs in the Cusco region of Peru, growing saxicolously on steep rock faces near the Urubamba River at 2,070 to 2,300 m elevation. The specific epithet derives from the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

Native to Ancash in Peru, where it grows on vertical rock walls at elevations of 2000 to 2600 m. The specific epithet honours Ludwig G. Maly.

This species is native to the Ica region of Peru, where it grows terrestrially in extensive populations on desert shores at elevations of 600 to 800 meters.

A species known from the mountains near Brealito in Salta province, Argentina, growing on steep rock faces and flatter rock formations at about 2,700 m.

A stunning xeric species with broad, recurved leaves densely covered in white trichomes. It grows on steep cliffs and is adapted to arid environments with strong sunlight.

Ranges through the Mexican states of Hidalgo, Jalisco and Puebla, growing saxicolously on steep rock walls at 1,300-2,000 m elevation. The specific epithet honours the Mexican botanist P. Maury.

Native to the state of Sinaloa in Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in dry areas at about 50 m elevation. The type collection was made near the coast close to Mazatlan.

This species is distributed in Colombia and Ecuador, growing as an epiphyte in dry thickets and also on rocky cliffs at elevations of 650 to 1885 m. A variety is known.

Native to the state of Guerrero in Mexico, growing on vertical cliffs at around 1500 m.

This species is distributed in Brazil and grows as an epiphyte in forest at elevations of 750 to 800 m.

Native to the state of Zacatecas in Mexico, this species grows on steep rock walls at elevations of 1800 to 2000 m. The specific epithet derives from the Sierra de Morones, where it grows abundantly on rock walls.

Native to Argentina, where it grows as an epiphyte at elevations of 180 to 1400 m.

A high-altitude caulescent species. Despite its specific name "nana" (dwarf), it can form long stems. It requires cool temperatures and high humidity but constant airflow.

This species is native to Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, where it grows as a lithophyte on granite rock walls.

Known from Loja in southern Ecuador, where it grows on trees.

Native to Guerrero and Jalisco in Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in tropical deciduous forest at 50 to 190 m, in arid or warm subhumid areas. The specific epithet refers to the Rio San Nicolas, the river near the type locality in Jalisco.

Tillandsia novakii is native to Veracruz, Mexico, growing as an epiphyte on small, sparse trees at around 65 meters elevation. The species is named after A. J. Novak of Austin, Texas, who first provided a specimen with collection data.

Found in Oaxaca, Mexico, growing as an epiphyte at 2400 m elevation.

Native to Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in Abies and Pinus woods at 2650 to 3100 m. The specific epithet derives from Oaxaca, the state of the type locality.

Found in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in pine and oak forest at about 1100 m. The specific epithet, meaning hidden, refers to the fact that the species long went unrecognised because it was misidentified as Tillandsia ortgiesiana.

Native to Colombia and Ecuador, growing as an epiphyte in thickets and forests at elevations of 2100 to 4000 m.

Native to Chuquisaca in Bolivia, occurring at an elevation of about 1,800 m. The type collection was made in the Oropeza area along the upper course of the Rio Chico.

A widely distributed species ranging from Colombia through Bolivia to Chile. It grows from sea level up to 3,000 m on rocks and desert sand, and also on trees in dry areas.

Ranges from Colombia through Suriname to Brazil, Peru and Bolivia, growing as an epiphyte in forest at elevations of 100 to 750 m. The type collection was made in Para, Brazil.

Native to the state of Paraíba in Brazil, growing on vertical granite rock in full sun at about 240 m. The epithet refers to Paraíba, the state where the species was collected.

Native to Guerrero in Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte on tall trees at about 1500 m. The specific epithet derives from El Paraiso, the area of the type locality.

Distributed from Florida, USA, through the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola, eastern Mexico, and Central America, to Colombia and Venezuela, this species grows epiphytically on low forest and scrub at elevations of 0-1500 m.

This species is distributed from the northwestern Bolivian Andes to southern Argentina, growing as an epiphyte on the twigs of shrubs in semi-arid areas.

A miniature caulescent species endemic to Salta province in northwestern Argentina. Mature plants are only 3-4cm tall and 2-3cm wide with thick, succulent gray-green foliage covered in cinereous subappressed scales. The leaves are densely polystichous, narrowly triangular, and pungent. This slow-growing species produces pale blue to nearly white flowers. It grows on sedimentary rocks in its natural habitat.

Native to the Mexican states of Yucatan and Oaxaca, growing as an epiphyte on pine trees, mainly Pinus oocarpa, at elevations of 300 to 400 m.

Native to El Salvador, growing in cloud forest on lake margins at elevations of 1300 to 1640 m.

Native to the Cajamarca region of northern Peru, where it grows on rock at around 800 m elevation.

Native to Mexico, where it grows in somewhat moist habitats at high elevations of 1,300 to 2,400 m. The specific epithet derives from the Latin plumosus, meaning feathery.

Tillandsia pohliana is distributed across Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, growing on rocks and epiphytically in thickets and dry woods at elevations of 750 to 1500 m.

Native to Pichincha in Ecuador, this species grows in temperate forest. The type specimen was collected in forest near Niebli.

Tillandsia polystachia occurs from the West Indies and Mexico south to Brazil and Bolivia, growing as an epiphyte at elevations from sea level to 1800 meters.

This species has an extensive range from Florida in the United States, through Mexico and Cuba, to Ecuador and Brazil, growing as an epiphyte at elevations from sea level to 1400 m.

A species known from the Apurimac region of southern Peru, where it occurs at around 2,200 m in the Apurimac valley between Andahuaylas and Abancay. It has been recorded from a narrow area and was described in 1974.

Native to the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil. The type collection was made at Sao Bento.

A species from Mexico, growing on rocks at around 1,650 m.

Native to the Mexican states of Querétaro and Jalisco, growing on rock and occasionally on trees in semi-arid areas at 1,085 to 1,950 m. The epithet refers to Querétaro, where the species was found.

An epiphytic species endemic to Ecuador, described by Harry Luther in 1991 and named after Jerry Raack, a prominent U.S. bromeliad collector who discovered it in 1990. The plant has an open rosette shape with soft green leaves that are discolorous, purplish on the underside, often with a waxy powder on the surface. Under high light intensity and cool temperatures, the upper leaf surface develops a deep maroon coloration. The inflorescence is nearly white, contrasting sharply against the dark wine-red foliage at bloom time. The flowers do not open and are likely pollinated by hummingbirds.

A species known from Tolima in Colombia, growing on cliffs at about 900 m.

Known from the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, growing in mountainous terrain at 1800 m. The type specimen was collected on Morro do Cuca in the Vale das Videiras near Petropolis.

A small epiphytic species from the highlands of Bolivia and Argentina. Forms compact rosettes with silvery-grey leaves covered in trichomes. Grows on perpendicular rocks and thorn shrub vegetation.

This species is widely distributed from the United States to Argentina, growing epiphytically and sometimes terrestrially in dry habitats at elevations from sea level to 3000 m. The type specimen was collected in Jamaica.

This species occurs in the Cajamarca region of Peru, growing exclusively on rocky substrates in higher-elevation areas at 1,900-2,800 m.

A species distributed in Bolivia and Argentina, growing as an epiphyte in woodland at elevations of 200 to 2,000 m.

Native to Azuay in Ecuador, where it grows solitarily as an epiphyte or terrestrially in bush vegetation at elevations of 2,000 to 3,010 m. The specific epithet honours Renate Gouda-Verwer.

A species distributed from northwestern to central Argentina.

Native to Oaxaca in Mexico, this species grows terrestrially at around 1,500 m elevation. The specific epithet is derived from the rose-colored, capitate inflorescence.

A species from Colima, Mexico, recorded at an elevation of around 400 m.

Known from Magdalena in Colombia at around 2800 m. The type specimen was collected on a tree at Sabana Rubia in the Serrania de Perija.

Known from the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia, growing at about 450 m on vertical rock walls. It was found in large groups on the southern side of a rock face in the Serrania de Santiago, an isolated range of Palaeozoic sedimentary rock rising above the surrounding lowland.

This species is distributed in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca.

A large, impressive species forming rosettes of long, broad, attenuate leaves that are slightly recurving. The leaf surfaces are distinctive: the upper side is nerved and minutely appressed-lepidote, while the lower surface is nearly glabrous. Unlike the related T. xerographica, the leaves typically do not twist. The compound inflorescence features inflated spikes with brilliant coloration including cherry red, moss green, and buttercup yellow. The scape bracts, primary bracts, and some leaves develop a striking dark cherry color during flowering.

Ranges from Chiapas in Mexico through Guatemala to Honduras, at elevations of 1,400 to 2,500 m.

Known from Azuay in southern Ecuador, growing as an epiphyte at around 2,700 m elevation. The type material was collected about 20 km west of Cuenca.

A saxicolous or epiphytic species endemic to Peru. It forms a rosette of grayish-green leaves covered in trichomes. The inflorescence is typically simple or digitately compound with rose-colored floral bracts.

A large, impressive species native to Mexico. It features wide, green leaves and produces a tall, branched inflorescence with distinctive salmon-colored bracts.

A saxicolous species endemic to Bolivia, specifically around Samaipata. It has soft, gray-green leaves and produces a simple or few-branched inflorescence with white flowers.

A large, tank-type species native to Colombia. It has dark, maroon-tinged leaves and a unique pendulous inflorescence. It is adapted to cool, humid cloud forest environments.

A saxicolous or epiphytic species from Mexico. It forms a rosette of stiff, channeled leaves. The inflorescence usually exceeds the leaves.

A high-elevation tank bromeliad found in the Andes. It has a robust rosette and a branched inflorescence. Adapted to cool, misty habitats.

A Mexican species featuring a somewhat bulbous base and soft, spreading leaves. It produces a distinctive inflorescence with broad floral bracts.

A xerophytic species from Peru, often growing on rocks or sand. It has stiff, gray leaves and can be caulescent. Similar in appearance to Tillandsia latifolia.

A saxicolous species endemic to Mexico. It features curved, gray-lepidote leaves forming a rosette. The inflorescence typically has pinkish bracts.

A widely distributed, hardy species. It usually forms clumps of stiff, thin, gray leaves. Distinguished by its yellow flower petals and red floral bracts.

Occurs in Colombia and Venezuela, growing as an epiphyte in forest between 1200 and 2805 m. The type specimen was collected in Magdalena, Colombia.

Tillandsia secunda is distributed in Ecuador, growing terrestrially and on rocks and cliffs at elevations of 2000 to 3500 m. A variety of the species is also known.

This species is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, growing as an epiphyte in Pinus and Quercus woodland at elevations of 270 to 2100 meters.

Widely distributed from Florida in the United States through the Greater Antilles, Mexico, northern South America and Brazil, growing as an epiphyte from sea level to 800 m. The type specimen came from Jamaica.

Native to the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, where it grows in moist cloud forest at elevations of 2,000 to 2,300 m. The type collection was made on the summit of the Sierra de Juarez.

A species endemic to Ecuador, growing in forest at elevations of 2,900 to 3,500 m. The type material was collected in the valley of Nanegal in Pichincha.

A mesic, tank-forming species in subgenus Allardtia, described by L.B. Smith in 1961. The rosette produces soft, green leaves with a reddish flush, resembling a small Neoregelia in overall form. The inflorescence is notably elongated, reaching up to approximately 1.2 m in length, with red bracts and purple flowers. The fertile portion is reduced to approximately one-tenth of the total inflorescence length. Adventitious plantlets (offsets) develop at intervals along the inflorescence stalk, and the lower fertile branches curve backward to form hook-like structures. These hooks attach to branches in the host tree canopy, enabling the species to propagate vegetatively and spread through the crown — a strategy described as "climbing." This reproductive mechanism is distinctive within the genus Tillandsia.

Native to Bolivia, where it grows both on rocks and as an epiphyte at elevations of 950 to 3550 m. The type specimen was collected at Sorata in La Paz.

This species is distributed in Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, Brazil, growing as an epiphyte at elevations of 0 to 300 m.

A saxicolous or epiphytic species native to Honduras and Guatemala. It forms a rosette of gray-green leaves and produces a long, pendulous inflorescence with striking red or pink bracts.

An epiphytic species found in Mexico and Honduras. It features narrow, green to gray-green leaves and a flattened inflorescence. It usually grows in pine-oak forests.

A caulescent, saxicolous species endemic to the high Andes of Peru. Resembling T. tectorum, it has fuzzy, trichome-covered leaves that grow in a star-like formation along the stem.

A natural hybrid between T. complanata and T. stenoura, described in 2024. It is a large epiphyte found in the high Andes of Ecuador, combining features of both parents.

A large, robust species native to the Andes. It forms a large rosette and produces a tall inflorescence with lavender flowers. It is adapted to cool, wet tropical environments.

An epiphytic species found in the cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela. It forms a rosette of flexible leaves and produces a compact, globose inflorescence with pink bracts.

A mesic species native to Guatemala and Mexico. It features a bulbous base and soft green leaves. The inflorescence has red bracts and violet petals.

A caulescent, xeric species from Peru and Ecuador. It has soft, silvery-gray leaves and produces fragrant white flowers with purple edges. Often grows in large clumps.

A widely distributed species in South America. The leaves are covered in trichomes and often recurve or curl. It produces fragrant blue or purple flowers.

Native to Mexico and Central America, this species features a prominent bulbous base and broad, trichome-covered leaves. The leaves curl tightly when dry, acting as a drought indicator. It is a robust grower that can reach over 30 cm in diameter.

A highly adaptable and popular air plant with narrow triangular leaves forming thick rosettes. Produces bright red or rose bloom spikes with blue-purple flowers. One of the most widely cultivated Tillandsia species.

Native to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, growing on steep rock faces at elevations of 50 to 500 m. The specific epithet honors the Brazilian botanist D. Sucre.

Native to Pichincha in Ecuador, where it grows on cliffs and in forests at 2000 to 2900 m. The type specimen was collected on the western slopes of Mount Pichincha.

Native to the State of Mexico in central Mexico, occurring at around 1700 m.

Native to Cajamarca in Peru, where it grows on rocks at 750 to 800 m. The type specimen was collected at Cumbil-Lama in the Chota area.

A small, pendant species approximately 4 to 8 cm in diameter with subsucculent green leaves covered with coarse grey scales. Produces rose-colored floral bracts and pink flowers. Saxicolous, growing on steep rock walls. Known from a very restricted range in southeastern Brazil. Described by Ehlers in 1993 in the Journal of the Bromeliad Society.

Native to the Ancash region of Peru, this species grows on vertical rock walls at an elevation of around 2400 m. The specific epithet was named after Rudolf Tomek, who acted in favour of species conservation.

Occurs in the Mexican states of Aguascalientes, Durango, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas, growing in the highlands at elevations of 1,850 to 2,250 m as an epiphyte or lithophyte, usually forming large clumps. The specific epithet means twisted in Latin and refers to the winding leaves.

Occurs in the Antofagasta region of Chile, growing on rocks between 350 and 450 m. The epithet means afraid of goats, referring to the very inaccessible places in which the species grows.

Known as Spanish moss, with the widest distribution of any bromeliad, ranging from the southeastern United States to Argentina. Forms long, hanging festoons of slender, grayish-green stems up to 6 meters or more, draping from tree branches. Despite its common name, it is neither Spanish nor a moss, but a true flowering bromeliad. An epiphyte that absorbs all moisture and nutrients through its silvery trichome-covered leaves. Provides habitat for wildlife including birds, bats, and specialized spiders. Historically used for mattress stuffing, insulation, and crafts.

Widely distributed from Georgia and Florida (USA) through the West Indies, Mexico, and northern Central America to Venezuela, this species grows as an epiphyte across a broad range of environments, from temperate humid to warm humid, subhumid, and even arid areas, at elevations of 0-1350 m. It occurs in coastal scrub, dry and wet rainforest, montane cloud forest, holm-oak woodland, and wetlands.

Distributed in Guatemala and Mexico, this species grows on pine trees in humid forest areas at elevations of 1200-2000 m. The specific epithet derives from the Latin adjective velutina, meaning velvety.

An epiphytic species endemic to the Central Mexican Plateau. Forms rosettes of leaves and grows primarily on large trees in humid temperate forests, particularly on Abies religiosa, Quercus rugosa, and Quercus laurina. The species name "violacea" refers to the violet coloration of the flowers. Due to its high-elevation habitat, this species exhibits tolerance to sub-freezing conditions, distinguishing it from most other Tillandsia species.

Known from the Amazonas region of northern Peru, growing as an epiphyte in wet scrub forest at 2900 to 3150 m. The type specimen was collected on the upper slopes and summit of Puma-urcu, southeast of Chachapoyas.

One of the largest Tillandsia species. Forms a sculptural rosette up to 90 cm in diameter with wide, silvery-green leaves that curl around themselves. Native to semi-arid regions of Central America, growing high in tree canopies. A slow-growing xerophyte adapted to drought, with thick leaves that store water. Wild populations were severely reduced due to over-collection in the 1980s-90s until CITES Appendix II protection in 1992. Produces branched inflorescences with red bracts and purple flowers lasting months.

Native to Tarija in Bolivia, where it grows saxicolously in dense clumps at an elevation of about 3,000 m. The type collection was made 12 km west of the village of Yunchara.

An epiphytic species in subgenus Allardtia, described by Gilmartin. The species name "zarumensis" indicates its type locality is likely near Zaruma, a city in El Oro Province, southwestern Ecuador. Detailed morphological and ecological information for this species remains limited in accessible horticultural literature.

Native to Chiapas in Mexico, growing on trees at about 1,000 m. The epithet refers to the Zoque, an indigenous people who have lived in the western part of Chiapas since the time of the conquest of Mexico.