Ionantha Rubra

Ionantha Rubra Care

Ionantha rubra

Other names: Tillandsia Ionantha Red, Red Sky Plant, Air Plant 'rubra', Blushing Bride 'rubra', Pityrophyllum Gracile 'rubra', Tillandsia Rubentifolia 'rubra'

What is the plant

Tillandsia ionantha rubra is a unique low maintenance plant that is perfect for smaller terrariums, globes, and sea shells. The rubra starts life with shades of green, yellow, and red which all deepen as the plant matures and enters its bloom cycle.

Ionantha rubra plants are closely related to Ionantha Guatemala but have softer leaves and less trichomes. Trichomes are very tiny scales on the leaves that give them a white or silvery look. The trichomes help the leaves hold moisture so it can be absorbed. These are perfect for small seashells, terrariums under 5 inches, cork bark, driftwood and any other medium. They are very hardy and average about 2 inches tall. They will grow as large as 3 to 4 inches and multiply by producing "pups" from their base. They will give you wonderful blooms 2 to 3 times per year.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

10°C - 18°C

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Soak your Tillandsia Ionantha Rubra once a week in a bowl of water for 10 minutes each time. You can also mist your plant with a spray bottle 2-3 times a week if it needs more water between the soakings. Tillandsias absorb water through leaves instead of roots. Gently shake off any excessive water from the center of the air plant after each watering. Place your air plant somewhere with good air circulation to dry it completely within 4 hours of watering. Do not put it under the sun or near heaters/AC units as intense heat and cold temperature can damage the plant.
Fertilizer
In spring and summer, it is beneficial to feed them with an orchid fertilizer diluted to a quarter twice a month.
Sunlight
Tillandsia Ionantha Rubra likes bright, indirect light. Display your Rubra somewhere near the window where it can get some indirect light during the day. If you don’t have natural sunlight coming in, office fluorescent lighting would do the job too. Just avoid direct sunlight since the plant can get burnt.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
The plant doesn`t require any potting medium.
Temperature
Put them inside or outside in summer when the weather is fine. Can live in a wide range of temperature, from 10°C to 30°C.
Popularity
24 people already have this plant 7 people have added this plant to their wishlists