Easy-care air plant that changes to orange or reddish color with lots of light!

This Tillandsia is found from Mexico to Panama. It has soft, narrow leaves with heavy hairs , which gives it a matte white appearance. Over time, it forms large, dense clusters with dozens of individual plants. The flowers are purple. It grows to about 15 cm in diameter. When the air plant gets a lot of light, its leaves change from silver green to an intense pink color !

Care.

Since Tillandsia is not grown in soil, watering it can seem challenging, but it's easier than it sounds.

Tillandsias are mostly epiphytes, meaning they grow as non-parasitic plants on trees and shrubs. Tillandsias can continue to grow normally even without roots and do not necessarily need to be attached to another plant to survive. They can be grown free-hanging or mounted on a surface.

This species comes from a dry region and thrives best in direct sunlight in a south or west facing window. During the summer it can also be grown outdoors. It should be sprayed generously with water or given a dip every three to five days.

Botanical description.

This unique air plant is native to South and Central America, where it primarily grows on the bark of trees. "Ionantha" is a Latin epithet meaning "with violet flowers."

Appearance.

The leaves of tillandsias are often covered in modified hair structures. These appear as a dense white fluff on the leaves. They act like little sponges and become translucent when filled with water. They help keep the plant moist longer and give it more time to absorb water and nutrients before it dries out again.