At home in the dry forests of southern Mexico and Central

America, Tillandsia xerographica shuns soil and instead wraps its wiry roots around the branches of trees. Growing at high elevation in the wild, it mainly takes in moisture through its leaves, which are coated in water-absorbent cells called trichomes. The coating gives the leaves a ghostly, grey-green appearance. The foliage can be accompanied by an impressive branched flower spike growing up to 40cm tall, with green bracts and reddish-purple, tubular flowers.

As xerographica grows in high branches in its native habitat, this is a plant for a bright room or in warm summer spells you can grow it outside. The ‘xero’ part of its name means dry – it’s a drought tolerant plant, so try to avoid the plant being wet for long periods.

◼ Position Grow in a bright, airy room, out of strong sun at a temperature of 16-27°C.

◼ Care Water once a week during the growing season, or more if the foliage curls. Don’t water in winter. Avoid tapwater in hard water areas. It can stop foliage from taking in moisture.

◼ Details ‘Baby’ plants at the plant’s base can be pulled off and grown on when a third of the size of the main plant. If the plant flowers, it will die. Cut it off, leaving the baby plants to grow in its place.