Tillandsia xerographica

Xerographic Air Plant is a beautiful epiphytic in the bromeliad family with stunning mossy green flocked leaves that curl at the tips. The rosette of leaves can reach up to 3 feet across and it is one of the larger air plants. It is native to dry tropical areas of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras and grows in the upper branches of tall trees.

This plant can be grown indoors or outside in mild climates. Soak the plant in water for 15 minutes every 2 weeks and mist weekly. In the winter it can be soaked monthly.  If growing as a houseplant, heating and air conditioning can affect humidity and the plant might need more frequent misting and soaking.  Just be sure to shake out the plant and let it dry upside down after misting or soaking to prevent crown rot. You can also put some diluted liquid fertilizer in the water or use one made for bromeliads 1-2 times a month to encourage growth, pup formation and flowering.

The flower and stem can be 1-3 feet tall with a showy spike of purple to red inflorescences that that last for a long time. The plants bloom once in their lifetime and only when conditions are right.