The two most popular Tillandsias have grassy leaves like Billbergia, but their flowers are quite different (Tillandsia cyanea and Tillandsia lindenii).

These are the Grey Tillandsias, which differ from their normal green relatives. by bearing absorbent furry scales on their foliage. These scales take up water from humis air, and obtain nutrients from air-borne dust - they literally live on air! The most widespread species is Tillandsia usneoides, the familiar Spanish Moss which hangs from trees throughout the warmer regions of America. Until recently the Air Plants were virtually unknown as house plants, but you can now find several species on sale in garden centers. These plants are stuck on coral, shells, dritwood etc - they are not planted in compost. The leaves around the flowers may change colour and provide a long-lasting bright display, but the blooms themselves last for only a few days.