Tillandsia xerographica

Native to southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, this unique airplant thrives in dry environments.

Key Features:

• Impressive size, growing to 10-12 inches wide and tall, with large specimens exceeding 2 feet
• Striking rosette of silvery-gray, curling leaves
• Long-lasting, colorful bloom spike with salmon to pink accents
• Exceptional drought tolerance, surviving up to nine months without water

Tillandsia xerographica is a true masterpiece of nature, living up to its name, which means "dry painting." This slow-growing species forms a large, eye-catching rosette of rounded leaf bases topped with long, tapering leaf blades. These silvery-gray leaves spread outward and curve downward, often twisting into intricate shapes, creating a mesmerizing form that resembles a living sculpture crafted from pastel chalks.

When blooming, T. xerographica produces a tall, branching flower spike that's a spectacle in itself. The stem of the spike ranges from salmon to clear pink, providing a striking contrast against the pale leaves. Upright branches bear smooth, overlapping, cup-shaped bracts from which emerge soft purple flowers. This colorful display can last for weeks or even months, with the entire blooming cycle taking nearly a year from start to finish.

Collector's Note: The leaves of T. xerographica are densely covered with tiny, flattened scales that serve multiple purposes: reflecting excess light, insulating from desert heat, protecting the plant from sunburn, and helping to absorb and retain moisture.

Care Tips: Provide bright light and good air circulation. Water sparingly, allowing the plant to dry completely between waterings. Be cautious of overwatering, especially letting water collect in the center of the plant, as this can lead to rot.

Ideal for:

• Collectors seeking impressive, sculptural airplants
• Drought-tolerant garden enthusiasts
• Interior designers looking for statement pieces
• Those who appreciate slow-growing, long-lived plants

Display Recommendation: Mount on driftwood or display in a shallow dish to showcase its full, rosette form. Can be grown both indoors and outdoors in suitable climates.

Bring home this living sculpture and witness the breathtaking artistry of desert adaptation.