Sky Plant

Sky Plant Care

Tillandsia ionantha

What is the plant

This beginner-friendly, warm-toned aerial plant is a pineapple cousin, and it shows, with its unique crown look and hardy nature, it is a must-have for any collector that wants to spice up their garden.

Also known as “the Air Plant”, this aerial plant is native to Central America. It usually grows between 2-3 inches (6-8 cm) in height and can spread easily, as one isolated plant can turn into a colony in just a few years.

Identification can be done through a series of factors. It doesn’t have stems, and its pointy, slightly curved leaves arranged in an organized pattern similar to a pineapple crown. There is a wide variety of cultivars and subspecies. Also, the majority presents the “blush effect”, meaning the central leaves turn pinkish red before and throughout the blooming season, returning then to their normal green tone. It is hardy, resistant, easy to care for, low maintenance, and beginner-friendly.

humidity

High

lighting

Part sun and part shade

temperature

23°C - 30°C

hardiness zone

9a - 12b

difficulty

Medium

hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Its dense structure retains moisture, so don’t water it in cold weather and let it dry between waterings. Watering should be done by misting 2 to 3 times a week or by submerging for 1 hour every week. The frequency will vary according to the season. Don’t let it stay moist for more than 5 hours. Leaves tend to curl with insufficient water.
Pruning
Remove dead lower leaves.
Fertilizer
It is not required, although it can be done at least once in spring. Choose a fertilizer low on copper and feed it at night.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
This plant can survive in any light conditions but prefers bright and abundant indirect light. Leaves might change colors when lighting isn’t optimal. Insufficient sunlight could be complemented with fluorescent light, and direct sunlight leads to scorching.
Soil
This plant doesn’t grow on soil.
Propagation
It usually propagates on its own, creating dense colonies.

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Temperature
Sky Plant enjoys warm temperatures between 61-72 ºF (16-22 ºC) but can go up to 86 ºF (30 ºC) and down to 54 ºF (12 ºC) without damage. It enjoys air circulation.
Container
It is an aerial plant, so it can grow easily on tree trunks and bark. It can also be placed in a hanging basket.
Fun fact
It is named after its flowers, as its Latin name roughly translates to “Violet Flower”.