Tillandsia gardneri

Native to a wide range from Colombia to Brazil, including the Caribbean island of Trinidad, this elegant epiphyte thrives from sea level to 1,600 meters in elevation.

Key Features:

• Stemless rosette with nearly flat, narrow triangular leaves
• Silvery appearance due to coarse, spreading trichomes
• Bipinnate inflorescence with ruby red flowers
• Adaptable to various growing conditions

Tillandsia gardneri is a true beauty among airplants, often described as a graceful jewel. This stemless species forms a dense rosette of leaves that can vary in size from 10 to 30 cm in length. The leaves are nearly flat and narrowly triangular, covered with coarse, spreading trichomes that give the plant its characteristic silvery appearance.

When in bloom, T. gardneri produces a striking inflorescence that's either ellipsoid or globose, measuring 4-20 cm in length. The flower spike is lepidote, adding a frosted white appearance that beautifully contrasts with the carmine color of the inflorescence itself. The relatively small flowers are a vibrant ruby red, creating a dazzling display.

Collector's Note: This species typically produces just two or three offsets, which are so integrally attached to the mother plant that separating them can be challenging. Be cautious when attempting to remove offsets to avoid damaging the main plant.

Care Tips: Provide bright light, but be cautious of extended direct sunlight, which may be too intense in some locations. T. gardneri thrives in average Tillandsia conditions but performs particularly well in slightly brighter light than some other species. It's more susceptible to cold than average, so protect it from freezing temperatures.

Ideal for:

• Collectors seeking a visually striking, silvery airplant
• Those who can provide cooler, more humid growing conditions
• Enthusiasts looking for a species with vibrant red blooms
• Growers in coastal or tropical regions

Display Recommendation: Mount on bark or display in a shallow dish to showcase its symmetrical form. In cooler climates, consider growing indoors or in a greenhouse to protect from cold temperatures.

Bring home this graceful jewel and add a touch of tropical elegance to your airplant collection.