Tillandsia duratii ‘King Kong’

Prepare to be amazed by the Tillandsia duratii ‘King Kong’—one of the most spectacular air plants in existence. This is not your average Tillandsia duratii. ‘King Kong’ is a special clone of Tillandsia duratii v. saxatilis that takes all the best features of the standard form and amplifies them to an epic scale. Growing much faster and getting significantly larger, its thick, silvery-green leaves curl and recurve dramatically, creating an incredibly dense, sculptural clump. While a typical duratii can reach over 2 feet, the ‘King Kong’ form can grow into a giant sprawling specimen up to 2 meters long.

Native to the arid Chaco regions of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina, this epiphyte is one of the hardiest and most unique tillandsias. When in bloom, it produces a long inflorescence bearing many very large, intensely fragrant purple flowers. The fragrance is so strong that a single blooming specimen can perfume an entire garden. This is the granddaddy of fragrant Tillandsias.

Care Instructions: Provide bright, indirect or filtered light for optimal growth. Water by thoroughly misting or dunking the plant in a bowl of water for 10–20 minutes, then shake off excess water. Soak monthly for up to 4 hours to rehydrate as necessary.