Tillandsia: Air Plants and the Pink Quill Plant

Tillandsias are remarkable plants that can live with no soil at all: they are mounted on driftwood, set in glass globes or simply placed on a shelf. They also have a more conventional potted relative, the pink quill (Tillandsia cyanea), with a pink paddle and violet flowers. Here is how to care for both groups.

Unusual plants for your home: potted plants.

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What kind of plant it is

Tillandsia is the largest genus in the bromeliad family, with hundreds of species from North, Central and South America. Many grow on trees, rocks and even power lines. They absorb water and nutrients through tiny scales on their leaves called trichomes, which give the foliage its silvery look; the roots mainly serve as anchors.

Air plants and potted tillandsias

• Air plants (for example Tillandsia ionantha or Spanish moss, T. usneoides) grow without soil. The more silvery the leaves, the better the plant copes with dryness and bright light.
• Potted tillandsias, above all the pink quill (Tillandsia cyanea), with a flat pink flower spike from which violet flowers appear one after another.

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Caring for air plants

• Watering. Once a week, soak the plant in soft, room-temperature water for 20–30 minutes; mist extra in hot weather or when the heating is on.
• Drying. Shake off the water and lay the plant upside down so it dries within 3–4 hours. Water left in the leaf bases causes rot.
• Light. Bright but indirect; silvery species can take a little morning sun.
• Air flow. Good ventilation is essential; in a closed glass globe the plant will die.
• Mounting. Use plant-safe glue, fishing line or natural materials; copper wire harms tillandsias.

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Caring for the pink quill

• Grow it in a small pot with a light bromeliad or orchid mix.
• Water the compost moderately and mist the leaves and flower spike regularly.
• Give it bright indirect light and 18–25 °C.
• The pink spike keeps its colour for months, with violet flowers opening one or two at a time.

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Propagation

Like other bromeliads, tillandsias flower once and then produce pups at the base. Separate them once they are about a third the size of the parent. Guzmania follows a similar cycle.

Tillandsias in decor

Air plants are perfect for open terrariums, driftwood mounts, hanging displays and wall panels, alongside a kokedama or moss. They are safe for cats and dogs.

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FAQ

Why is my air plant turning brown at the base?

Usually because water stayed in the rosette after soaking. Always dry it upside down.

Can I plant an air plant in soil?

No: its roots are not designed to feed the plant, and it will rot in soil.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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