Back to the Tillies: Tillandsia streptocarpa

Alert Naturalist Baker named this delightfully fragrant Tillie in 1887. It means "twisted fruit", and that refers to the twisty seed pods. The name should have referred to the delightful perfume this Tillandsia emits when it blooms. The pale lavender flowers smell very much like wisteria and honey. Gorgeous....

Tillandsia streptocarpa, MRobb, 2015

T. streptocarpa grows in open woodlands from Peru to Bolivia, Paraguay to Brazil. It can grow at relatively low elevation, up to 2,300m! This is according to expert Paul Isley III, and you can find more info in his book, "Tillandsia II". This Tillie needs a little more light, water, and fertilizer than average in order to grow and bloom well. The blooms last for a month. Fragrant Tillies are unusual so if you get a chance to grow this one, go for it, you won't be disappointed.