Magnificent air plant hybrid with silvery rosette and balloon-like pink-red inflorescence

Tillandsia 'Cotton Candy' is a hybrid created by Mark Dimmitt by crossing Tillandsia stricta (seed parent) and Tillandsia recurvifolia (pollen parent).

The plant forms a full rosette of about 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter with many long, thin, semi-soft leaves. The leaves are covered in a dense layer of silvery trichomes (hair-like outgrowths) which give the plant its beautiful silver-green shimmer.

The inflorescence is truly the highlight of the plant, large and semi-pendulous with bright pink-red bracts that appear almost inflated, like a pink balloon. Small purple-violet flowers emerge from these.

Care

This is a very easy-to-grow and robust plant that tolerates both warm dry and humid conditions, making it forgiving even for beginners.

Thrives best in well-lit locations with bright, indirect light and good air circulation. Water by spraying or submerging the plant a few times a week, and always allow it to dry thoroughly between waterings so that no water remains in the center of the rosette.

As an air plant, it needs no soil. It is best mounted on bark, cork, or wood, or placed freely in a bowl or holder. Ideal temperature 18-28 degrees Celsius.