Tillandsia xerographica is one of the most recognisable and sought-after air plants, native to the dry forests of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. It thrives in bright, arid environments with strong airflow and infrequent rainfall. This species forms a stunning rosette of wide, silvery-grey leaves that gracefully curl and spiral outward as the plant matures. It produces a towering, long-lasting inflorescence with a branched spike of soft green to red bracts and purple flowers. Exceptionally drought-tolerant, T. xerographica is slow-growing but highly ornamental, often used as a centrepiece in mounted or suspended displays.
Distinctive features:
Large, sculptural rosette of broad, curling silvery-grey leaves
Extremely drought-tolerant due to dense trichome coverage
Produces a tall, branched inflorescence with green to red bracts and purple flowers
Slow-growing, long-lived, and highly architectural
Native to seasonally dry tropical habitats with high light exposure
Care Tips:
Light: Requires bright, indirect to direct light; best grown in well-lit areas
Water: Mist 1–2 times per week or soak briefly; ensure complete drying within a few hours
Humidity: Tolerates low humidity but appreciates occasional misting in very dry climates
Media: Mount on driftwood, stone, or in open wire baskets; do not pot in soil
Temperature: Prefers 18–32°C; protect from frost and excessive moisture
Fertiliser: Apply a diluted tillandsia fertiliser monthly during warm seasons
Additional Notes:
Often used in interior design and architectural landscaping due to its form
Inflorescence can last several months, even before flowering begins
One of the few Tillandsias commonly grown as a single large specimen
Not toxic to pets
Shipping Schedule & Biosecurity Information
Dispatch Day: All orders are dispatched on Tuesdays.
Cut-off for Same Week Dispatch: Orders must be placed by Monday 7am (AEST) to be sent that week. Orders placed after this will be dispatched the following Tuesday.
WA, NT & TAS Orders
Cut-off: Orders to WA, NT and TAS must be placed by Friday 7am (AEST) to be included in the following week’s dispatch.
Treatment & Delay: These orders require biosecurity treatment and certification, which is completed each Friday. Please allow an additional 1–2 weeks for processing.
Plant Health Certification (PHAC) Fees
$20 fee applies to WA orders.
$10 fee applies to NT and TAS orders.
This fee is per order (not per plant) and is included in your shipping cost at checkout.
Tillandsia xerographica
Size: Large
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