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Blushing Bride (Tillandsia ionantha)

Tillandsia ionantha is an evergreen perennial herb, primarily an epiphyte but also able to grow on rocks; it is usually stemless or short-stemmed, forms a rosette of leaves, and can develop into clumps through offsets.

LightProvide bright indirect light; RHS recommends partial sun and avoiding excessively strong direct exposure, while 'Fuego' develops a more vivid fiery-red color with ample light.
WaterFrom spring through autumn, soak in rainwater regularly and increase the frequency in hot, dry conditions; after watering or soaking, drain thoroughly and let the plant dry so water does not remain between the leaves. A
TemperatureThe plant is reported by a single source as having an H1C hardiness rating.
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Overview

Tillandsia ionantha is an evergreen perennial herb, primarily an epiphyte but also able to grow on rocks; it is usually stemless or short-stemmed, forms a rosette of leaves, and can develop into clumps through offsets.

Origin and habitat

Tillandsia ionantha is native to Mexico and Central America, but sources differ on whether its range extends south to Nicaragua or Costa Rica. In its natural habitat it grows mainly as an epiphyte on supports and can also grow on rocks, with roots serving chiefly for anchorage rather than penetrating soil.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, with the limited evidence suggesting about 6–8 cm; mature spread is reported from a single source at about 10–50 cm. The leaves are narrow-triangular to grass-like and densely covered with silvery-gray to silvery-white scales; typical plants have green leaves, with upper or outer leaves becoming bright red near flowering, while 'Fuego' can become intensely fiery red under ample light. The plant has silvery, dense trichomes, and its sessile flowers are mainly purple to blue-purple, emerging among the leaves on a very short inflorescence, though sources differ in their descriptions of flower number. The fruit is reported to be a capsule, with one source describing it as cylindrical.

Light

Provide bright indirect light; RHS recommends partial sun and avoiding excessively strong direct exposure, while 'Fuego' develops a more vivid fiery-red color with ample light.

Watering

From spring through autumn, soak in rainwater regularly and increase the frequency in hot, dry conditions; after watering or soaking, drain thoroughly and let the plant dry so water does not remain between the leaves. A single source reports that the plant should dry promptly after watering.

Temperature and dormancy

The plant is reported by a single source as having an H1C hardiness rating.

Growing medium and mounting

Tillandsia ionantha does not require potting soil and can be mounted on supports such as wood, ceramic, or glass, or kept in a container without medium.

Feeding

A single source recommends diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season, at a concentration below the usual recommendation.

Propagation

Propagation can be by seed or by separating offsets; RHS recommends waiting until offsets have reached a substantial proportion of the parent plant's size before removing them.

Common problems

Pests are generally uncommon, though aphids and mealybugs may occur, and diseases are generally uncommon. After watering, remove excess water remaining between the leaves and allow the plant to dry thoroughly; the growing environment requires good airflow.

Identification

Tillandsia ionantha is distinguished by conspicuous silvery-gray scales on the leaves, upper leaves that turn red before flowering, and blue-purple to purple flowers on short inflorescences; 'Fuego' is characterized by a vivid fiery-red color under ample sunlight.

Photos

Tillandsia ionantha
📷 Daderot · Public domain · source
Tillandsia ionantha
📷 M.NABIL · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Sources