Started Tillandsia Xerographica at the wrong time — lessons learned

I planted Tillandsia Xerographica at entirely the wrong point in the growing calendar and spent the first few months wondering what I'd done wrong. scale insects or mealybug in the leaf bases didn't help matters. Once I understood shaking off excess water after soaking to prevent rot at the base things improved substantially.

extraordinary architectural forms from spiralling to globe-shaped is what makes this plant worth persisting with. In a decorative driftwood or cork bark mount it finally looks as good as I'd imagined. reduced watering needed in cool winter months indoors redeemed the whole effort. If you're starting out: do your timing research before you plant.