Tillandsia caput-medusae on cedar slab

Tillandsia caput-medusae, commonly known as the octopus plant or Medusa's head, is a unique atmospheric epiphyte (air plant) native to Mexico and Central America. It gets its striking name from its swollen, pseudobulbous base and thick, twisting, snakeskin-textured leaves that resemble the hair of the mythical Greek Gorgon, Medusa. Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct early morning or late afternoon sun, which often brings out vibrant pink or purple pigments in the leaves.Watering: A xeric air plant that requires careful hydration. Either mist generously 2–3 times a week or soak in water for 20–30 minutes once a week.The Golden Rule: You must shake out excess water and dry it upside down. Water easily gets trapped inside its bulbous base, which quickly causes lethal rot if it does not dry completely within 4 hours, however in greenhouse conditions we find this not to be true .