Tillandsia 'Mystic Albert'

Parentage: Tillandsia albertiana × Tillandsia stricta
Distinctive traits: Compact size with disproportionately large, vibrant flowers
Availability: Unique hybrid, part of Mark Dimmitt's prestigious 'Mystic' series

Key features:

• Impressive blooms: Produces oversized, luscious amaranth-colored flowers
• Variable foliage: Leaves range from dark purple-green and shiny to silvery gray
• Compact size: Grows to about 6 inches, ideal for small spaces
• Prolific offsetting: Forms clusters, perfect for creating airplant colonies
• Versatile display options: Thrives when mounted or suspended

Appearance: 'Mystic Albert' forms a compact rosette atop a 6-inch stem. The foliage exhibits intriguing variability, ranging from dark purple-green with a glossy sheen to silvery gray. Its crowning glory is the disproportionately large inflorescence, featuring stunning amaranth, red-purple, or burgundy flowers that create a dramatic contrast with the foliage.

Collector's Note: This hybrid is part of Mark Dimmitt's renowned 'Mystic' series, developed between 1982 and 1985. It showcases the brilliant floral genetics of T. albertiana combined with the form of T. stricta. 'Mystic Albert' represents a pinnacle of Tillandsia breeding, offering hobbyists a chance to own a piece of airplant history.

Care tip: Provide bright, indirect light to maintain its color and encourage blooming. Water 2-3 times a week by misting thoroughly or soaking for 20-30 minutes, ensuring the plant dries completely within 4 hours. Its compact size makes it ideal for various mounting options.

Ideal for:

• Collectors seeking unique, showstopping Tillandsia hybrids
• Those who appreciate plants with vibrant, oversized blooms
• Enthusiasts looking to create eye-catching mounted displays
• Designers wanting to add bursts of intense color to airplant arrangements

Display recommendation: The compact size and stunning blooms of 'Mystic Albert' make it perfect as a focal point in mounted displays. Consider attaching it to a piece of driftwood or suspended in a hanging glass globe to showcase its dramatic flowers. Its clustering habit also makes it ideal for creating colorful airplant "bouquets".

Elevate your collection with the captivating Tillandsia 'Mystic Albert'. Experience the thrill of nurturing this compact powerhouse, anticipating the moment when its oversized, vibrantly colored blooms transform your airplant display into a work of botanical art.