Family: Bromeliaceae

Tillandsia xerographica (xerographic air plant) is an epiphyte native to dry forests from southwestern Mexico to El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Tillandsia xerographica’s intriguing appearance and relatively simple care requirements have made it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and interior decorators for adding a touch of nature to living spaces. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows and could spread in regions with tropical climates
  
• Other Tillandsia species have naturalized and become invasive
  
• Reproduces by wind-dispersed seeds, and intentionally cultivated by people
  
• May hybridize with other species
  
• Propagated by offsets; may be able to spread vegetatively

Low Risk Traits:

• Widely cultivated with no evidence of naturalization or negative impacts where introduced
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Slow growing and with a long time to reproductive maturity from seed (12 to 18 years)