Tillandsia capitata

This species is found across a number of ecoregions, where threats include habitat conversion to agriculture and grazing, logging and urban development. Being an important ornamental this species may be collected in the wild, however harvesting levels are unknown. In markets throughout the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, various Tillandsia species are sold. These appear to be collected on a massive scale especially during the time leading up to Christmas and New year, without making a distinction between taxa (A. Espejo Serna pers. comm. 2008). These threats are unlikely to be affecting this species as a whole, however, due to it being widespread.

This species is found in a number of protected areas including the Sierra de Alamos-Rio Cuchujaqui Flora and Fauna Reserve in Mexico and the Vinales National Park in Cuba. It is cultivated around the world including in botanical institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. Seed is not currently known to have collected as an ex situ conservation measure.