Silver foliaged drier climate types would be most likely to handle some direct winter sun. T. xerographica would likely be a success. Keep in mind you may need to water more frequently during its exposure to direct sunlight.

One brom site says:

Light:

Lighting for Tillandsias should be bright but filtered (April - October).
Tillandsias love direct sun (November - March).

Hi everyone.

Elena - When people ask me to recommend bromeliads that will grow in full direct sun I am reluctant to name any because even the ones that will normally grow in strong light will get cooked if they are exposed to an excessive hot day such as during rare heat-waves.

It's better to think about the degree of light rather than say full sun. Obviously they can withstand strong unobstructed light in the winter months when to sun's not as hot.

Caution is needed during the hotter months though as often it's not just the sun but a combination of other things also need to be considered such as the level of humidity, any reflected light from nearby sheet metal fences or light coloured buildings and most important of all is any warm/hot winds that may be blowing at the time as these can quickly dehydrate the plants and make them even more prone to heat damage.

All the best, Nev.

Most of my tillandsia get quite a bit of sun - some more than others- but none have ever gotten too much. I'm in coastal Los Angeles, however. Bromeliads are often more sensitive to too much sun, but you could try an orthophytum. They take full sun and do not need much water.

I bought some like these, but they are even smaller.

Orthophytum lemei

and

Orthophytum Sucrey-x-Grukenii. I think this one is supposed to go into a hanging pot, but I have it staked up at the moment. I think they need zone 10b - they do not like for it to get below 35°F (which it does not where I live), but you could bring them inside during cold spells, as they are small. Or perhaps you have a warm zone in your yard.

Hi everyone.

Lars - Here's a nice big plant of Orthophytum sucrei (The species parent of your cross above) which seems to like growing in a basket.

All the best, Nev.

Maybe I will put it in a basket -that looks like a nice way to grow it. They are not all that cheap to buy here or easy to find.

Hadn't thought about putting orthyphytums in a basket but that looks great. I think I have one that would like it, since it's started pupping out the holes at the bottom of the pot it's in now.

Thank you for the suggestions! I'm going to look into some of those while monitoring the Pruinosa. I have a couple of shadier/more protected places in mind where it might be happier. What exactly should I be looking for to determine drought stress/too much light? I've read that leaves curling inward is a sign, but this plant seems to have that all the time, to some degree, even after soaking.

Hi everyone.

Just one point to remember; when growing plants in baskets, they dry out much quicker than when in a pot so more watering is required.

All the best, Nev

Hi everyone.

Lars - That's a great looking plant which obviously likes the tree you have mounted it on. I love plants mounted on trees, they look so natural.

Thanks for sharing

All the best, Nev.

I would keep the one you have out of much direct sun. Those green bulbous types tend to burn in sun in California..sometimes to death. They like bright light as you give potted ferns outside on the porch. They will grow larger and healthy in very bright shade or well filtered sun.

In habitat? Those bulbous type tend to grow sideways even upside down. I can see that. By growing that way,water cant rot the tip, and where they grow,they get all the water they need. In our winters,upside down really helps.

I found the Pruinosa a more protected spot - with a roommate this time. Will it be okay held in the tension between the strings of this hanging pot, or is that too much of a squeeze? I can't quite get a handle on how tough or fragile these things are.

Looks good- that Asparagus fern's deep green means its getting plenty of shade. I doubt that air plant will "stick" there Elena. Either tie it with fishing line to that or something like a piece of driftwood,or drop some super glue where it meets the string.