Tillandsia divaricata (WA Prohibited)

Tillandsia divaricata is a species native to Bolivia and Argentina, typically found growing in dry forests, rocky slopes, and highland savannahs at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 metres. It forms a loose rosette of slender, grey-green leaves, well adapted to bright light and low humidity. This species is best known for its tall, branched inflorescence, often referred to in botanical terms as 'divaricate', meaning widely spreading, which bears soft pink to reddish bracts and violet tubular flowers. 

Distinctive features:

• Upright, branched inflorescence with spreading (divaricate) form
• Violet tubular flowers emerge from pink to red floral bracts
• Slender, arching leaves with a silvery coating of trichomes
• Loose rosette habit that becomes more arching with age
• Adapted to high light and seasonal dryness in upland habitats

Care Tips:

• Light: Requires bright, indirect to full sun; colour and flowering improve with more light
• Water: Mist or soak 2–3 times per week; allow to dry fully between waterings
• Humidity: Tolerant of dry air; appreciates ventilation and light misting in arid conditions
• Media: Best mounted on wood, cork, or stone; no soil required
• Temperature: Prefers 15–30°C; protect from frost and excessive cold
• Fertiliser: Use diluted tillandsia fertiliser monthly during active growth

Additional Notes:

• Rare in cultivation, often sought after by collectors of xeric Tillandsias
• Inflorescence form adds structural contrast to mixed displays
• Performs well in dry climates or bright indoor setups with strong airflow
• Not toxic to pets