Tillandsia caput-medusae

From the bromeliad family, the Tillandsia caput-medusae is a cool air plant. Most people call it Medusa’s head. This is due to it’s resemblance to the Greek mythology monster Medusa. Medusa had living snakes growing from her head in place of her hair. Consequently, this neat tillandsia looks a lot like this evil Greek mythology monster.

This unique looking tillandsia is found growing naturally in Mexico and Central America. Twisted and tapered, it’s leaves can grow to almost 10 inches in length.

The blooms appear in spring and into the summer months. It produces, on average, 1-1.3 inch long blooms. They are bright violet in color. Consequently, Tillandsia caput-medusae pups appear after the flowering period.