Tillandsia gardneri

Tillandsia gardneri is a species native to Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia, where it grows in high-altitude regions of the Atlantic Forest and other moist, open habitats. It forms a rosette of soft, pale green to silvery-grey leaves covered in dense trichomes. The foliage is flexible and slightly arching, giving the plant a gently spreading habit. During flowering, it produces a short inflorescence with pink bracts and pale violet to lavender tubular flowers. T. gardneri is well suited to cooler, humid conditions and is often grown for its pale foliage and relatively large, soft leaves.

Distinctive features:

• Soft, silvery-green leaves with dense trichome coverage
• Forms an open rosette, often 15–25 cm across
• Produces pink bracts with pale violet to lavender flowers
• Adapted to moist, highland habitats with good airflow
• Foliage is flexible and slightly arching

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, filtered light; avoid prolonged harsh sun
• Water: Mist 3–4 times weekly or soak briefly; dry fully after watering
• Humidity: Performs well in moderate to high humidity with good ventilation
• Media: Mount on cork or wood; suitable for open baskets or suspended displays
• Temperature: Best grown between 14–26°C; avoid frost and excessive heat
• Fertiliser: Apply diluted tillandsia fertiliser monthly during active growth

Additional Notes:

• Well suited to cooler growing environments compared to many Tillandsias
• Flowers are pale but show clearly against the pink bracts
• Can form attractive clumps over time with regular care
• Not toxic to pets