Description
About Tillandsia Sabre
Tillandsia Sabre crosses achyrostachys with exserta, and the name comes from the leaves. They are long, narrow and gently curved, sweeping outward from the centre like a set of blades.
This is a wide plant rather than a tall one. Mature specimens reach 16 to 18 inches across, which makes them a genuine feature piece at a modest price.
Exserta contributes the strappy silver foliage and the exserted flower spike that gives it its name. Achyrostachys tightens the centre and adds substance to the leaf.
Trichome cover is even and heavy, so the plant holds a clean silver tone. If you also stock our Crowning Glory, the two share exserta as a parent and display well side by side.
Growing Tillandsia Sabre: Care Guide
Both parents are Mexican dry-country plants. Therefore treat Sabre as firmly xeric and give it room.
- Light: High light. Direct morning sun is welcome and keeps the long leaves stiff rather than floppy.
- Water: Soak 20 to 30 minutes every 10 to 14 days. It handles dry spells easily.
- Drying: Invert and shake. The broad leaf bases cup water at the centre, and a wet crown is how these are lost.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: Comfortable from 55°F to 100°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly in spring and summer with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: No soil. Allow a full 18 inches of clearance, and wire rather than glue because the plant is broad and heavy.
- Pups: Offsets follow bloom. Separate at one third the size of the mother.
See our Air Plant Care page for guidance, or browse our Rare Air Plants for more large hybrids.
