Species

Aechmea aculeatosepala is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped leaves with spiny margins and produces an inflorescence with bracts and flowers typical of the genus Aechmea.

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

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.

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

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.

Aechmea aquilega is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to northern South America and the Caribbean. It forms a rosette of stiff, strap-shaped leaves with serrated margins and spines along the edges. The inflorescence is a compound spike bearing small flowers, typically followed by colorful berries that persist on the plant for an extended period. This species is often epiphytic in its natural habitat but can also grow terrestrially.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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).

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.

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

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.

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.