Tillandsia ionantha, the air plant that goes from green to red
Tillandsia ionantha
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Genus
- Air plant Tillandsia
- Species
- Tillandsia ionantha
Native to Central America, Tillandsia ionantha surprises with its colors that change with the seasons. In the wild, this epiphytic plant grows on shrubs that survive in arid regions. In our part of the world, it is grown indoors as a hanging plant or in a terrarium.
How can you recognize Tillandsia ionantha?
Tillandsia ionantha, like medusa's head, has aerial roots and does not need soil to grow. It is distinguished by its bushy growth habit and the small size of its pseudobulb, topped by a stem. The entire plant does not exceed six centimeters in height. At its base, the plant is covered withsilvery scales.
The leaves of Tillandsia ionantha grow in a rosette. Curved, they can reach 30 to 40 centimeters long and three to five centimeters wide. When there is sufficient sunlight, the green leaf blades turn reddish at their tips. They also take on a scarlet red hue before flowering to attract pollinators.
Flowering occurs in the spring. Spikes of pink bracts emerge from the center of the rosette. They are topped by four-centimeter-long purple flowers from which the pistil and stamens protrude.
In addition to being a non-toxic plant, Tillandsia ionantha could be of use to you. Like tillandsia streptocarpa and other Tillandsia species, it absorbs moisture from the air through its scales. This characteristic has earned it the nickname “air plant.”
Our care 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.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings 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.
Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.
Prepare a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil, peat moss, and pine bark. The pot does not need to have drainage holes. Place your cutting in the center.
Place your cutting in a heated room, in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Mist it regularly, just as you would a mature plant.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Categories
- IndoorHerbaceousFlowerySucculent
- Tags
- BeginnerFlowery
- Origin
- Central America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf colors
- Light greenRed
- Flower colors
- YellowViolet
Discover plants from the same family
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
