It occurs in Brazil, in the state of Paraíba, region of Curimataú. It is known only on three inselbergs in the Pedra da Boca State Park: i.e., Pedra do Carneiro, Pedra da Santa, and Pedra da Boca. Tillandsia paraibensis grows on vertical granite rock in full sun, usually in scattered, small clumps formed by few individuals. Elevation is 240 m. Flowering occurs in October. We observed it for over five years in the field and in cultivation, with no record of flowering. Live specimens of this new Tillandsia species are in cultivation in the bromeliad collection of the João Pessoa Botanical Gardens, Paraíba. —SeePontes 2012
