Tillandsia harrisii 'Black' (Air Plant)

Tillandsia harrisii comes from the dry forests of Guatemala, where it grows epiphytically on tree branches with good air circulation and bright filtered light. Every leaf is densely covered in silver-white trichomes, the moisture-absorbing scales that give all tillandsias their soil-free lifestyle. In harrisii those trichomes are particularly abundant, creating a velvety, silver-grey texture across the entire plant that reads almost white in strong light. The 'Black' selection offers a slightly deeper, cooler silver tone compared to the standard form.

At bloom time the plant earns attention: a spike emerges carrying rich red and purple flowers that contrast sharply against the pale foliage. Mature plants typically reach 6 to 8 inches in height, with a loose, arching habit. Display it on driftwood, mounted to cork bark, or suspended from a wire so the form can be appreciated from all angles.

Because harrisii is a xeric species from a dry habitat, misting is preferable to soaking.