The Tillandsia family, commonly known as "Air Plants" are an extremely popular and easily cultivated bromeliad. One of the best known is Tillandsia usneoides, namely "Spanish Moss" or "Grandfathers Beard", with its curling thread like leaves on long silvery stems and minute green flowers.

Tillandsias range in size from a very tiny 1 cm to more than 3 metres in height. Their very colourful silvery grey foliage is very striking, but some are green leafed. They have no spines on their fury looking leaves, but feel smooth. Through this foliage, most absorb all their nutrients with their water. As epiphytes, they have very unique and different root systems, which are mainly used for attaching themselves to desert cacti, rocks, cliff faces and trees to name a few.

Compared to their size, they produce large and brilliantly coloured flowers and often blush to bright colours. They are long lasting exquisite flowers, which can omit a strong fragrance.

In nature, Tillandsia species inhabit regions with vast climate extremes, from sea level to high altitudes, from wet or cold forests to very harsh and dry deserts.

cyanea

Tillandsia cyanea is a very popular species plant. The olive green leaves are strong and tough, with good growing characteristics. The longish slender leaves with their very rich olive green coloured clusters, impress all year.

The very striking and extremely large purple flowers protrude from the bright pink multiple support bracts and contrast vividly in a picturesque display.

The flat, sword shaped single flower spike is displayed high above the rich foliage and lasting for several months.

Tillandsia cyanea grows 15 cm diameter and 30 cm high, in a small size pot or in the ground.

Ionantha cv Fuego

Tillandsia Ionantha cv Fuego is a popular hybrid plant. The heavily silver coated olive green leaves are strong and tough looking, with good growing characteristics. The long slender leaves curve concentrically at their ends, impressing all year. As the plant matures, the very rich silver grey coating over the olive green coloured central leaves disappears and a very bright red blushing occurs.

The very large and striking dark purplish flower extends from this red brushing centre. The flower's stigma is stark white with the stamens covered in large quantities of bright yellow pollen, which last for several weeks. These bright colours contrasting with the silver leaves, never fail to captivate the admirer.

Tillandsia Ionantha cv Fuego grows 3cm high, attached directly to a cork or tree branch.

jalisco-monticola

Tillandsia jalisco-monticola is a popular species plant. The silver coated olive green leaves are strong and tough looking, with fair growing characteristics. These tall narrow leaves with a very rich silver grey coating, impresses all year.

The very long and striking purple flowers protrude from the various coloured multiple support bracts with shading from green at the top, into yellow and then into red at the bottom.

The flattish, sword shaped single flower spike is displayed high above the rich silvered foliage and lasting for several months.

Tillandsia jalisco-monticola grows 60cm high, either in a medium size pot or attached directly to a log or tree branch.

streptocarpa

Tillandsia streptocarpa is a popular species plant. The heavily silver coated olive green leaves are strong and tough looking, with good growing characteristics. The very long slender leaves grow along a slender straight grey stems.

The striking purplish violet flowers extend from this large multiple bracted flowering head, lasts for several weeks. These bright coloured flowers with the silver grey leaves always impress.

Tillandsia streptocarpa grows 25cm long, attached directly to a cork, log or tree branch.

brachycaulos

Tillandsia brachycaulos is a very popular species plant. The olive green leaves are strong and tough looking, with good growing characteristics.

The slender leaves form a compact rosette, curving concentrically at their ends, impressing all year. As the plant matures, the green coloured leaves disappear and a very bright red blushing occur.

The very large and striking dark purplish flower extends from this red brushing centre. The flower's stigma is white with the stamens covered in large quantities of bright yellow pollen, which last for several weeks. These bright coloured leaves are very impressive.

Tillandsia brachycaulos grows 15 cm diameter and 10 cm high, either in a small size pot or attached directly to a log or tree branch.

araujei

Tillandsia araujei is a popular hybrid plant. The lightly silver coated olive green leaves are strong and tough looking, with good growing characteristics. The short slender leaves grow along a slender curved grey stem.

The large red multiple bract head with striking light purplish flowers extends from this flowering centre, that last for several weeks. These bright colours with the silver leaves never fail to impress the viewer.

Tillandsia araujei grows 30cm long, attached directly to a cork or tree branch.