Tillandsia velutina

A small epiphytic air plant described in 1994 from Chiapas (Mexico) and Guatemala, where it grows on trees in semi-evergreen and cloud forest mostly between about 800 and 1,800 m. The name refers to its velvety covering of silvery scales. It suits growers who can give bright light, good air movement and a mild, humid climate with a drier winter.

At home, aim for

Day IntermediateTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Ordinary room humidityBand in Plantistry

Light Bright, filtered lightDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows on trees (epiphyte)

Where it grows wild

Epiphytic on trees in semi-evergreen tropical forest and cloud forest on the Pacific-facing mountains of Chiapas and in the Guatemalan highlands (Sololá, Sacatepéquez). Details of its exact position in the canopy are not published in the sources available.

GBIF records span about 100–1,900 m, but most are between 800 and 1,800 m.

Mexico (Chiapas)Guatemala

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.