Air plant

Tillandsia ionantha

Family: BromeliaceaeNative: Central America and MexicoIdentified: Oct 25, 2026

A small epiphyte with stiff, silvery-green leaves that form a rosette shape, featuring trichomes covering the leaves to absorb moisture from the air.

Light: Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day, avoiding harsh direct midday sun.
Water: Submerge the plant in water for 20 to 30 minutes once a week, shake off excess water, and mount upside down to dry.
Growth: Slow-growing perennial epiphyte, forming clusters up to 3 to 5 inches in height and width.

Care instructions

Provide bright, indirect sunlight, submerge in water or mist regularly, and ensure high airflow to dry completely within four hours.

Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day, avoiding harsh direct midday sun.

Submerge the plant in water for 20 to 30 minutes once a week, shake off excess water, and mount upside down to dry.

Grows without soil as an epiphyte; can be mounted on wood, bark, or placed in glass terrariums with good air circulation.

USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, requiring frost-free conditions.

Slow-growing perennial epiphyte, forming clusters up to 3 to 5 inches in height and width.

Blooms sporadically with a central bract turning bright red or pink, producing small purple tubular flowers.

Propagated by removing offsets or pups that grow around the base of the parent plant after flowering.

Susceptible to rotting if water remains trapped at the base for too long; prevent by ensuring thorough drying after watering.

Tillandsia bulbosa, which has a bulbous base and more twisted leaves compared to the rosette shape of Tillandsia ionantha.