Tillandsia ionantha, Guatemala form

Description

NOTE: Plants are not currently in blush.

An air plant classic, the Guatemala form of Tillandsia ionantha is more or less the standard color and form of this species. It can tolerate some drought, and tolerates a wide range of light and temperature (hardy down to the rare dip into the mid-thirties, as I’ve had first-had experience with). It offsets with reasonable frequency, and if cared for it should produce a small clump within a couple years. Its colors range from green to glaucus to yellow and red, depending on light, season, and whether or not it’s in its pre-bloom blush.

Available sizes:

• Single – about 2”

Tillandsias, commonly known as air plants, are bromeliads, members of the pineapple family, and are native to the Americas, from the southern US through Central America and into the northern half of South America. They are relatively easy-care houseplants requiring no pot or soil to thrive. They do, however, need relatively regular watering and moderate light. There are three main ways to water air plants: thoroughly mist them once per day, dunk them completely underwater about every other day, or soak them for an hour once per week. Turn the plants upside down after watering to let excess water drain from their crowns. Remaining constantly wet will cause them to rot. They prefer temperature ranges of 50 to 90 degrees F. In my greenhouse, however, they’ve often experienced overnight lows in the low 40s and have had no significant cold damage.