Tillandsia caput-medusae aka Octopus Plant

Tillandsia caput-medusae, also known as the octopus plant or medusa's head, is a species of flowering plant in the bromeliad family, Bromeliaceae. This epiphytic plant is native to Central America and Mexico and is commonly cultivated in greenhouses. It is a perennial with evergreen, twisted, and incurved leaves that form a bulb-like base. The leaves, which are covered in fine gray hairs, can reach up to 25 cm in length. The plant produces pups after blooming, typical of most Tillandsia species. In spring to early summer, Tillandsia caput-medusae blooms with unbranched or digitate red inflorescences. The bright violet flowers, about 3.2 cm long, have exerted stamens. Unlike many indoor plants, this air plant obtains most of its nutrients and water from the air rather than through its small roots. Scales or trichomes on the leaves absorb water from humid air and air-borne nutrients. Overall, Tillandsia caput-medusae is a unique and popular member of the Tillandsia genus.