copper and air plants Tillandsia crocata 'Copper Penny'

copper and air plants Tillandsia crocata 'Copper Penny'A prized cultivar discovered in the 1960s, 'Copper Penny' represents a remarkable achievement in T. crocata breeding, combining enhanced size with an intoxicating fragrance and distinctive copper orange blooms. Key features: Larger growth habit than standard T. crocata Intensely fragrant copper orange flowers Thick, silvery green foliage Superior clumping ability Honeysuckle like perfume The specimen in the image displays the cultivar's distinctive

A prized cultivar discovered in the 1960s, 'Copper Penny' represents a remarkable achievement in T. crocata breeding, combining enhanced size with an intoxicating fragrance and distinctive copper-orange blooms.

Key features:

• Larger growth habit than standard T. crocata
• Intensely fragrant copper-orange flowers
• Thick, silvery-green foliage
• Superior clumping ability
• Honeysuckle-like perfume

The specimen in the image displays the cultivar's distinctive characteristics - elegant, thread-like leaves covered in silvery trichomes, creating a ethereal appearance. The copper-orange flower emerges dramatically from silver bracts, offering a stunning contrast to the plant's silvery foliage. Each leaf exhibits the characteristic twisted, channeled form that helps the plant efficiently capture moisture and nutrients.

Collector's note: This cultivar's fascinating history traces back to Mike Kashkin of Fuchsialand Nursery in California, possibly originating from a wild collection in Brazil. Its larger size and unique flower color distinguish it from both the standard yellow form and the related 'Rutschmann Orange' cultivar.

Care tips: Provide bright, indirect light with some morning sun exposure. Water weekly through spraying or dunking, ensuring complete drying within 6-8 hours. Monthly soaking for up to 4 hours helps maintain optimal hydration, but exercise caution with mature clumps as they can retain excess moisture.

Ideal for:

• Fragrant plant collections
• Outdoor displays
• Botanical collectors
• Natural perfumery enthusiasts

Display recommendation: Mount where air circulation can carry its sweet fragrance, ideally at nose level to fully appreciate its honeysuckle-like scent.

Experience the enchanting fusion of sight and scent with 'Copper Penny' - where visual beauty meets natural perfume in one exceptional airplant.