Scientific Name
Tillandsia ionantha Planch.
Common Name(s)
Sky Plant, Blushing Bride, Air Plant
Synonym(s)
Tillandsia ionantha var. ionantha, Pityrophyllum erubescens, Tillandsia erubescens, Pityrophyllum gracile, Tillandsia rubentifolia, Tillandsia scopus
Scientific Classification
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
Genus: Tillandsia
Flower
Color: Violet and yellow
Bloom Time: Mid-fall to early winter
Description
Tillandsia ionantha is a small evergreen epiphyte with compact rosettes of green and silver-hued leaves turning to a deeper shade of green when mature. It grows up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall. The inner leaves are deep red at the time of flowering. The inflorescence is a reduced panicle with a spike-like appearance. The violet petals are over 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and the yellow stamens and pistils protrude from the end. The fruit is a subcylindric capsule up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most plants, the first step in learning how to grow an Air Plant is learning about its natural habitats. These plants are native to forests and mountains in Central and South America and the southern United States.
From late summer to mid-spring, water your Air Plants by misting them daily. Unlike potted houseplants, you can't really overwater an Air Plant.
Keep in mind that these plants primarily come from warm and humid environments. Therefore, if you live in a dry climate or have forced air, you will need to provide adequate humidity by regularly misting your Air Plants.
A bright, sunny window, alcove, or porch where the Air Plant gets some protection from the full sun is ideal for these plants. Remember, they grow in tree canopies and mountains where they get dabbled light and some shade. Too much direct sunlight will lead to your plant drying out or the leaves burning.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Air Plants.
Origin
This species is native to Central America and Mexico.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Tillandsia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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