Tillandsia ionanthas , also known commonly as sky plants , are just one of over 500 tillandsia varieties . It ’s popular among air plant enthusiasts and dwelling gardener because of the stunning grayish - green leaves that deepen in colouration as they grow . As far as air plants go , the tillandsia ionantha is a rather adaptable one that needs footling maintenance , which makes it a great option for beginners who are n’t used to deal forplants that do n’t grow in soil(that ’s right ! ) — but how does that affect its care ?
Benefits of growing air plants
develop a tillandsia ionantha — and any air plant , really — has a few benefit beyond spruce up up your infinite . Some are similar to those of regular houseplants :
A unique benefit to atmosphere plants , though , is that they do n’t require dirt to rise — and the tillandsia ionantha is no different . Because they do n’t necessitate to be in grunge ( and wo n’t thank you if you constitute them in it ) , tillandsia ionanthas are a various houseplant that are perfect for urban family and small spaces . necessitate a desk plant but do n’t want a dirt mess ? Get a tillandsia ionantha . Have a blank blot on your wall that you do n’t roll in the hay what to do with ? Get a tillandsia ionantha . They can grow beautifully on shelf , on Sir Henry Joseph Wood , or in air - plant - specific holder . And as long as they have right lighting , they can thrive anywhere .
Caring for your tillandsia ionantha
Tillandsia ionanthas dearest affectionate , humid environments keep on between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit . They can still survive and thrive in drier climates , as long as you keep up with a even misting agenda to increase humidity ( and have a space humidifier , if you need ) and keep them happy . Be wary of over - mist , though , and pay attention to how your air plant is responding . Especially if it ’s your first air industrial plant , it can take a bit of trial and error to reckon out the veracious amount .
Conversely , cooler temperatures in the winter will help boost anthesis . Just be certain to stay within the favorite compass so that you do n’t take the plant out of its comfort zona and cause excessive stress .
One of the biggest change in air travel plant attention from stock houseplant care is fertilization . Liquid fertilizers are commonly bestow to the soil , so is it even potential to inseminate an air plant life ? Surprisingly , yes ! There are melodic phrase plant plant food that you could add to a misting atomizer ( following the directions ) to feed your tillandsia ionantha no more than twice a calendar month during the summer .
brightness needs : Indirect lighter is best ; impregnable , full sunlight can dry out out the plantWater indigence : Light cloud a few times a week , mayhap more if you know in a drier climate ; admit the breeze plant life to dry upside down so urine does n’t get trapped in the leaves ; soak is not advocate
My tillandsia ionantha is blooming! Now what?
When your tillandsia ionantha blooms , it ’s positively arresting . The flowers are small , rove from white-hot to yellow in color , and flower at the tiptop of purple shoot . While flower , the leaf on the tillandsia ionantha also develop pinkish or reddish hue .
unluckily , the beauty of these flowers is a bite semisweet . Tillandsia ionanthas only bloom once during their life , and it happens when they ’re close to pass away . It can occur at any prison term , whether it ’s after only having the plant for a year or several years . Do n’t worry , though ! After it blooms , a well - give care - for tillandsia ionantha will get a few pups before dying . With fortune , you ’ll be able to separate them and have more for your aggregation .
How to propagate tillandsia ionantha pups
Successfully propagating tillandsia ionantha pup is pretty easily ! Once they pop sprouting as offshoots from the parent plant , wait until they ’re about half the size of it and then separate them with a pair of sterilized shears or scissors , or a sterilized tongue . If done properly , you ’ll have a new , growing tillandsia ionantha to expose proudly in your solicitation !
What to do if there are pests on your air plant
Perhaps one of the most mythologic aspect of growing tillandsia ionanthas in your home is that very rarely do they draw in pests . Most insect and mite are drawn to houseplant in soil , especially ones with soggy stain or weaken foliage . Because air plants do n’t grow in shit , their hazard of becoming infest are very low . If you do happen to see a bug or two on your tillandsia ionantha , do n’t sweat it . Removing them is as easy as rinsing it off and hanging it upside down to dry out . It ’s really a low - care , minimum - forethought industrial plant .
