This Tillandsia has grown well in my humid, heat-deprived microclimate. It is from cloud forest habitat in Chiapas, Mexico. It began flowering last December, just 20 months after I acquired it as a small plant about 4 inches in diameter. It was difficult to locate through an on-line search. Apparently it is difficult to propagate also, making 'grass pup' offsets before flowering.

I have diligently transferred pollen among the flowers on this first inflorescence.

Any advice about the chances of self-pollination and advice about growing from seed would be appreciated.

The plastic pot, (not the ceramic bowl) is 5 inches in diameter, and the overall width of the plant about 12 inches.

thanks,

Darold

Sorry, somehow I didn't get both images on the first posting.

Looks very good Darold. They need that humidity to perform, otherwise forget it. They're a no-go out here unless greenhouse conditions are provided. As for seed? Very simple. Pollinate the stigma with pollen from the anthers at when the stigma is spread open (anthesis) usually in mid-afternoon. Wait about 6-12 months for the seed pods to turn brown. The seed s themselves should resemble fluffy dandelion seeds. Spread these on cork bark or window screen and keep misted daily. After perhaps anywhere from 2-6 months little tiny green bulbils will appear as the seeds start to gernminate. Mist often during hot weather and after about 4 or 5 years the seedlings should be about the size of a fingernail and ready to attach to their permanent home or pot up.

That sounds like a long time... Darold, any updates?

A complete failure on my part due to lack of diligence as per Gonzer's advice.  I often leave home for as much as 3 weeks for overseas vacations, so I would need to develop some sort of automated misting system.  I still have two smaller plants that have not yet bloomed, so perhaps I will have a chance to do better.