Habitat and Ecology
 
​Tillandsia marnieri-lapostollei is a large, epilithic (rock-dwelling) air plant native and endemic to Ecuador, known specifically from a critically restricted area in the Loja province near the Peruvian border. It is found growing on dry, steep, and nearly inaccessible rock walls at elevations typically around 500 metres, but has been recorded up to 5,100 metres. It is one of the "grey-leaved" or xeromorphic Tillandsia species, covered in thick trichomes (hairs) that allow it to absorb moisture efficiently from fog and atmospheric humidity, making it highly drought-tolerant in its specialised dry-cliff habitat. This species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) due to its highly restricted range and habitat threats.
 
​Description
 
​This plant is one of the largest rosette-forming air plants (Tillandsia) in the world, capable of reaching 1.2 metres in height and 1.5 metres in diameter when fully mature. It has a short, woody stem (caulescent) and dense, numerous leaves that form an enormous, spherical clump.
 
​Foliage: The leaves are long, thick, and rigid, tapering to a point. They are densely covered in silvery-white trichomes (absorbent hairs), giving the entire plant a striking, soft, silvery-white, fuzzy, or "snowball" appearance. This dense coating is an adaptation to reflect intense sunlight.
 
​Flowers: The plant produces a large, arching or erect inflorescence that can reach up to 50 cm long. The flowers are relatively short-lived but appear in a spectacular panicle. The blooms are typically short-tubular, often violet or purple-blue, emerging from green or purplish bracts.
 
​Cultivation
 
​Tillandsia marnieri-lapostollei is a demanding collector's plant due to its preference for very bright light and specific xeromorphic watering techniques. It requires bright, filtered light; place it in your brightest indoor spot, though heavy shade from intense midday sun is necessary (the white trichomes demand high light but also protect it). It must be displayed without soil, mounted on cork, rock, or hung freely.
 
​Watering: Unlike most Tillandsia, this species requires very limited water. Avoid long weekly soaks which can be fatal. Instead, provide a thorough misting once every 1–2 weeks, or a very short dip (under 10 minutes). It must dry completely within 1 hour after watering to prevent base rot (a fan can be useful).
 
​Temperature: It is an intermediate grower that prefers stable warmth.
​Daytime: 18-27C (64-81 F)
​Minimum Nighttime: Not below 12 C (54 F).
​
Humidity: Moderate ambient humidity (50\%+) is sufficient due to its protective trichomes, but it requires excellent air circulation.
 
​Unique Features
 
​This air plant is one of the most architecturally dramatic species in the genus, prized for its massive, dense, silvery-white appearance and its xerophytic nature, which dictates a unique, sparing watering schedule. Its rarity and status as an Ecuadorian endemic add significant value for the bromeliad enthusiast.
 
​Specifications
 
​Plant Size: As seen in the picture
​Plant Family: Bromeliaceae
​Plant Passport: A Tillandsia marnieri-lapostollei B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB