Tillandsia imperialisis an epiphytic speciesendemic to Mexicospecifically the states Hidalgo,Oaxaca,Puebla,Queretaroand Veracruz, at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,600 meters. Its distribution is generally on the eastern portion of the eastern Sierra MadreMountainsand the eastern portion of the Trans Mexican Volcanic
Belt. This species is primarily epiphytic to the branches and holes of the tree species Pinus patulaand Quercus laurina, or on lianas of the same trees, in moist cloud forests. This bromeliad prefers moist conditions and does not tolerate extended periods of drought or low humidity.

T. imperialis was first collected by Europeans in 1866 near Orizaba,Veracruz,and named by EdouardMorrenin 1881. Its common name in Mexico is schil (or xchil), which is the ClassicalNahuatlword for flower. In November and December people from rural areas of Mexico occasionally collect this plant to be used to decorate nativity scenes and religious arches.

Easy to grow and very rare and uncommon. I have flowered this plant before and shown it at Flower shows but i cant find my pictures of it at the moment. Only one plant for sale at the moment and it is fully rooted in a small pot.