Tillandsia caerulea

Tillandsia caerulea, the distinctive species of air plant native to Ecuador and Peru know for its unusual fragrant flowers and delicate, silver-green foliage:

• Foliage: Thin, needle-like leaves that are covered in dense, silver-grey trichomes, giving it a fuzzy and frosted appearance 
  
• Inflorescence: 4-8" long, slender, erect flower spike with small, three-petaled flowers that range from sky blue to pale violet
  
• Fragrance: One of the few air plant species with a scent, its blooms are known for a powerful, sweet fragrance often compared to violets
  

Key features:

• The trichomes (tiny scales) that give the plant a fuzzy appearance also help reflect intense high-altitude sunlight
  
• Growth Pattern: Unlike some air plants that form rosettes, Tillandsia caerulea grows in a "distichous" pattern, meaning its leaves emerge in two opposite rows, creating a flat, fan-like shape
  
• Size: Is able to form large clumps up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) across. Individual plants mature at 6-8" (10-16" with the flower spike)
  

Care tip: Is considered a "xeric" air plant, meaning it is adapted to drier, sunny environments and will prefer frequent misting or quick dunks compared to long soaks

Ideal for: The "hands-off" waterer, bright light aficionado, fragrance enthusiast, display artist, beginner, or experienced Tillandsia collector