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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Tillandsia ionantha

sky plant

An evergreen, epiphytic perennial to 12cm tall and wide. Its linear, arching incurved leaves, to 6cm long, are grey-silver to green in colour with the inner leaves turning red when the plant is flowering. Tubular, violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens emerge from narrow white bracts in spring and summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple Red Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Purple Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Tillandsia are evergreen perennials, often epiphytic, forming rosettes of leathery, linear or strap-shaped leaves, and tubular or funnel-shaped flowers which may be 2-ranked in spikes with conspicuous bracts, or solitary and inconspicuous

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico & C America

How to grow

Cultivation

Plants need no compost, they are wired or glued to a support. Grow under glass in bright but diffused light with good ventilation. From spring to autumn immerse in rainwater twice a week (more in hot, dry conditions), drain well and allow to dry. Can stand outside in summer to benefit from rain and additional light and humidity. See Air plants cultivation

Propagation

Propagate from seed (see Air plants) or by removing offsets once they are at least a third the size of the parent

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
Pruning

Remove rosettes that have died after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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