Spotlight on Tillandsia andreana

From time to time, we profile a species of Tillandsia – most of which are relatively little-known plants! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Tillandsia andreana. It is an epiphytic bromeliad that forms a rosette of thread-like leaves, which are erect and slightly curved, and about 5 cm long. Their diameter does not exceed 2 mm!

They are entirely covered in very short, silvery scales. Its flowers develop in the centre of the rosette, without protruding beyond it, as can be seen in the photo. The most visible part consists of superb bright red petals with curved tips, revealing the stamens.

It is not the most accessible of plants, as it grows exclusively in Colombia, on a few cliffs often situated at altitudes of over 1,000 metres, and more rarely on trees. In the few places where it is found, the species forms colonies of several dozen specimens.

Credit for the first description of Tillandsia andreana goes to the Belgian botanist Édouard Morren (Catopsis morreniana was named in his honour); the species was discovered by the French specialist in Colombian bromeliads, Édouard André. The specific epithet andreana is, in fact, dedicated to him.

When grown in cultivation, it requires moderate humidity and must be allowed to dry out quickly, like many silvery Tillandsias. It can tolerate full sun, but only once it has been acclimatised to it!