Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Tillandsia Andreana

Tillandsia Andreana is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of providing bright indirect light or outdoor shade in summer in the early stages and paid for it. dehydration shown by rolled or curled leaves also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a decorative driftwood or cork bark mount which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. surprisingly tough once watering rhythm is established is visible but muted. pup production after flowering creating a new clump gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.