Tillandsia capitata (Air Plant)

Tillandsia capitata is one of the most versatile and commonly grown large air plants, native to Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. It forms a handsome, open rosette of wide, silver-green leaves covered in trichomes that give the plant a soft, powdery appearance. As with all capitata forms, the foliage changes color as blooming approaches, transitioning from silver-green toward gold, yellow-green, or warm tones depending on the individual, before the central purple tubular flowers emerge.

Capitata is a forgiving grower that tolerates a wide range of indoor conditions better than more finicky species. It handles average household humidity and does not require the extra misting that cloud forest species like butzii need. Soak weekly in room-temperature water for 20 to 30 minutes, tilt the plant sideways to drain any water that collects in the open rosette, then let it dry fully before returning it to display.

After blooming, capitata is one of the more prolific producers of pups.