Description
About Tillandsia carminea ‘Dennis’
Tillandsia carminea takes its name from the colour of its bracts. Carmine is a deep crimson-pink, and on a plant this small the effect is disproportionate to its size.
‘Dennis’ is a named clone selected for stronger colour and a tidier habit than the typical form. Plants stay compact, shipping as singles at 3 to 4 inches.
The rosette is soft and finely silvered, built from narrow leaves that curve outward evenly. Texture is closer to the downy Brazilian species than to the hard chalky desert plants.
It comes from the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil, growing in humid forest rather than open desert. That origin shows in how it responds to care.
Growing Tillandsia carminea ‘Dennis’: Care Guide
Brazilian forest rather than Andean rock. Therefore this one takes more water and less direct sun than most of our stock.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Gentle morning sun is welcome, but hard afternoon sun scorches the soft leaves.
- Water: Soak 15 to 20 minutes every 7 days. It dries faster than a thick-leaved species.
- Drying: Shake it out well. The fine leaf coat holds surface water.
- Airflow: Steady airflow, though it tolerates humidity comfortably.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 50°F to 90°F. Protect from frost and extreme heat alike.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength. Feeding strengthens the bract colour.
- Mounting: No soil. Glue or wire to cork, grouped for a better display.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom and cluster readily. Leave them attached.
Our Air Plant Care page covers the fundamentals, and more Brazilian species sit in our Rare Air Plants.
