Tillandsia xerographica is the cornerstone of every Tillandsia collection! This slow-growing xerophytic epiphyte can be found growing on the highest of branches in the semi-arid subtropical forest and thorn scrub of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. In habitat, T. xerographica specimens can reach up to 3 feet in diameter! The large, lightly flocked and greyish-blue strap-like leaves curl and wrap around itself, creating a striking sculptural aesthetic. It can take up to 25 years to bloom, but when it does, it puts on a show with at thick-stemmed, heavily branched red and yellow inflorescence showcasing lavender flowers! 

This living masterpiece is easy to care for! Bright indirect light and monthly dunks into purified water are the basics, but you’ll want to mist your specimen a couple times a week or more often if the air in your home is very dry. If you pay attention to the leaves, you’ll notice that the leaves become more tightly curled when thirsty and loosen up after watering. You can use these cues to decide if you need to increase your watering or misting. As always, ensure that your specimen is in a place that allows it to quickly dry after watering and misting.

Fertilizing is not necessary; however, it encourages faster growth, off-setting, blushing, and blooming! To fertilize, we recommend misting your specimen with a foliar fertilizer such as our Foliar Feed at least once a month.

Your specimen will be 5-to-6 inches in diameter.