Tillandsia xerographica

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