Tillandsia paleacea Giant Form

Tillandsia paleacea 'Giant Form'. This remarkable caulescent (stem-growing) air plant is native to the desert sands of Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, where it thrives at altitudes ranging from sea level to over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).

The 'Giant Form' lives up to its name, reaching an impressive 20 cm (8 inches) wide and 35 cm (14 inches) tall—a dramatic contrast to the standard form, which grows to just 4 cm wide and 6 cm tall. Its succulent, velvety silver foliage is covered in coarse, chafflike trichomes, giving the plant a distinctive, almost frosted appearance. The leaves are narrow and spiraled on the stem, and the plant produces many offsets from the back growth of its stem, quickly forming a large, impressive clump.

When it blooms, Tillandsia paleacea produces a long inflorescence spike adorned with fragrant, Aster-violet flowers. This spectacular display adds a beautiful splash of color to its otherwise muted silver palette. A highly adaptable and resilient species, it is about as close as it gets to a "don't water me" air plant, making it a fantastic choice for beginners.

Care Instructions: Provide bright light for optimal growth. This plant is drought tolerant and prone to rot if overwatered. If in very high lighting, you may need to water by misting thoroughly every 3-5 days or by soaking up to 10 minutes every 7-10 days.