I was just looking around the Rainforest Flora species list and noticed that the T. somnians was unavailable and was listed at $25.00. This is a large species with maroon foliage and toothy spines along the leaves. It is tough as you can imagine. It makes purple and yellow flowers. I just happen to have many pieces of this in my greenhouse and would like to acquire other Tillandsias. Anyone up for some trading?
Tillandsia somnians
Are you sure about your identification? Tillandsia leaves are "entire" - i.e. no spines along the leaf edges.
As I remember T. somnians is "vivaparis" - i.e. it forms plantlets on the blooming scape.
Have a look at the FCBS Photo index www.fcbs.org
dave
Digital dave, Thanks for the reply. My plant does not look like the one pictured for somnians. Here is pic of what I have. Any ideas of what it is? It grows epiphytically or partially in soil. Its bloom it typical tillandsia with a red main shoot and purple flowers. I is relatively large with a 12 - 18 inch spread.
Here's one more pic to assist with a possible ID. This plant is tough and can take a mild freeze. It can take whatever heat my greenhouse has at the upper levels which in excess of 100. Perhaps it is a bromeliad of another kind and not a tillandsia. Thanks
Definately not a Tillandsia. I'd bet it's an Aechmea, but beyond that and without a spike, it would be a wild guess. There are very many Aechmea hybrids.
dave