This rare species grows on rocks and trees in southeastern Uruguay, near Cerro de Arequipa at 150 to 200 m elevation.I was originally published as T. xiphioides var. arequitae,  but later changed to Tillandsia arequitae.  It will produce 5-12 large white ruffe=led flowers, similar to those of T. xiphioides, but these are not fragrant.  

• Tolerates bright light and does best with cooler native temperatures