Tillandsia andreana

Native to Colombia and Venezuela, it is a compact epiphytic or rock-growing bromeliad adapted to exposed tropical mountain habitats. Numerous fine gray-green leaves form a nearly spherical tuft. One or two bright red tubular flowers emerge at the center. It can be grown without soil, mounted on bark or rock in partial sun. Regular misting followed by drying helps prevent rot, and clumps can be divided to produce new plants. Photographed in Colombia.