Tillandsia Spotlight: Tenuifolia

Originally hailing from the Caribbean and down through Argentina,  the Tillandsia tenuifolia, commonly known as the “narrowleaf air plant, ” looks  similar to a tiny spiky evergreen bush. Hence the name, “Emerald Forest" a commonly found form of tenuifolia. The tenuifolia has beautiful green leaves that are stiff but grow in a natural curve. Depending on light conditions, tenuifolia air plants may be bright green, if kept in an area of high light, or dark green, if kept in lower light. Their leaves will blush a deep violet over time as they begin to bloom, and eventually will emit a beautiful almost neon pink flower. 

When left to grow naturally outside, the tenuifolia will attract bees, butterflies, and even birds. These little guys also grow offsets quickly and form into beautiful air plant clumps over time.