Tillandsia streptocarpa can sometimes be mistaken for a small Tillandsia duratii. An easy way to tell the two apart is that the leaves of Tillandsia streptocarpa are not pendulous (hang down) when they get older. Also, the tips of the older leaves do not recurve. The blooms are very large relative to the size of the plant which is normally 20-30 CM in an adult and they are fragrant. This species is also similar to Tillandsia reichenbachii but the leaves are much longer and softer.