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 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.