Description
About Tillandsia tenuifolia Silver Comb
Tillandsia tenuifolia Silver Comb is a caulescent form of Tillandsia tenuifolia. The leaves are fine, silver and closely set along a stem, like the teeth of a comb.
It grows long rather than wide. Singles run from 2-inch smalls to extra-large plants 9 inches or more in length. Over time the stem branches.
It often pups before it blooms. Because of that, a single plant becomes a hanging clump within a couple of seasons. The clumps are the best display form.
The bloom is a pink spike with white flowers, and it appears on the tips of the stems. A clump in bloom carries many spikes at once.
Silver Comb is a good hanging plant for shops with limited bench space. It uses vertical room, and it is inexpensive enough to sell in multiples.
Growing Tillandsia tenuifolia Silver Comb: Care Guide
Tenuifolia comes from humid South American forest, so it takes more water than a silver plant usually does. Still dry it fully. Because the leaves are so fine, Silver Comb dries faster than its size suggests. That makes it safer than most mesic plants, as long as the clump is hung rather than laid flat.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Some gentle morning sun is fine.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days. Mist between soaks in dry air.
- Drying: Hang upside down to drain. Stems hold water between the leaves.
- Airflow: Good airflow, especially for dense clumps.
- Temperature: 40°F to 95°F. It tolerates cool nights.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. It responds with faster pups.
- Mounting: Wire the base and hang it. The stems will trail downward.
- Pups: Constant. Leave them attached for a fuller clump.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
