Tillandsia ionantha, the daughter of the air that goes from green to red

Native to Central America, Tillandisa ionantha is surprisingly colorful, changing with the seasons. In the wild, this epiphytic plant grows in groves that survive in arid zones. In our latitudes, it is grown indoors, in hanging baskets or terrariums.

How to recognize Tillandsia ionantha?

Tillandsia ionantha, like jellyfish head, has aerial roots and needs no soil to grow. It is distinguished by its bushy habit and the small size of its pseudo-bulb topped by a stem. The whole is no more than six centimetres long. The base of the plant is covered withsilvery scales.

The leaves of Tillandsia ionantha grow in a rosette. Curled, they can reach 30 to 40 centimetres long and three to five centimetres wide. In sufficient sunlight, the green blades turn red at the tips. They also turn scarlet before flowering to attract pollinators.

Hatching takes place in spring. Spikes of pink bracts emerge from the heart of the rosette. They are surmounted by four-centimetre-long purple flowers from which the pistil and stamens escape.

In addition to being a non-toxic plant, Tillandsia ionantha could be of great service to you. Like tillandsia streptocarpa and other Tillandsia species, its scales absorb moisture from the air. This property has earned it the nickname "daughter of the air".

Our maintenance tips

Tillandsia ionantha is an epiphytic plant. It requires special watering and repotting techniques.

Watering

Your Tillandsia ionantha captures humidity in the ambient air. Mist its foliage with non-calcareous water (rainwater or mineral water) at the right temperature to provide it with the water, humidity and nutrients it needs.

Water should not stagnate in the plant. Water the plant upside down. Aim for the foliage and avoid the heart of the plant.

With this method, it can be difficult to regulate the water supply. The leaves give you a clue. When they curl up on themselves, it means the plant is thirsty. But if the blades at the base turn yellow or brown, it's a sign of excess water.

Repotting

Your Tillandsia ionantha has no roots. This epiphytic plant requires special repotting. Simply place it on its support: a piece of wood, a stone, a shell... Don't use glue or nails to fix it. It attaches itself naturally to the material.

Fertilization

Fertilizer is an essential source of nutrients for your Tillandsia ionantha. Top up spray water with orchid fertilizer.

Prune

Cut off wilted flowers at the base. If you use an instrument (pruning shears, scissors), remember to disinfect it.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Remove a shoot. Use a clean, sharp knife if necessary.

Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.

Prepare a pot lined with a mixture of potting soil, peat and pine bark. The pot does not need to be pierced. Place your cutting in the center.

Place your cutting in a heated room, in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Spray regularly, as for a mature plant.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Bromeliads - Bromeliaceae
Type	Daughter of the air - Tillandsia
Species	Tillandsia ionantha - Tillandsia ionantha
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Categories	Interior Herbaceous Flowery Succulent
Tags	Beginner Flowery
Origin	Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower colors