Description
Tillandsia ionantha var. ionantha is one of the two varieties of ionantha. This variety has been cultivated into many different colors and sizes. Tillandsia ionantha is an air plant which is often referred to as a ‘blushing bride’ because of it’s deep red tones on the leaves, especially during budding. The air plant creates a magnificent violet flower when mature. It is this color from which the scientific name “ionantha” is derived from. In Greek “ion” meaning violet, and “anthos” meaning flower.
This species could originally be found going naturally from Central America to Mexico. In this natural environment it receives long hours of sunlight and little rainfall, making it a good choice for a house plant.
Like most other air plants, the plant offsets ‘pups’ which can be divided from the mother plant when a few centimeters long. This plant forms into an attractive clump when pups are left to grow together. It is perfect for attaching to a mount, such as a piece of bark or drift wood. It can also be tied to a wire or hessian string and suspended from a branch of a tree or a hook in a patio roof.
Water by spraying/misting two times a week, and soaking every second week or more depending on the season. Spray more often in hotter months or if the plant receives frequent direct light.
It makes for an attractive specimen as it is small, colorful and very durable. It can be placed on a kitchen windowsill or desk, from where you can enjoy the plant bloom and offset little babies.
