Pink Quill Plant - Tillandsia cyanea

Scientific Name
Tillandsia cyanea (Tillandz' sky-blue plant)

This plant has recently been reclassified into a new genus of Bromeliads. Its new scientific name is Wallindsia cyanea.

Common Name
Pink Quill, Fan Flower, Blue Flowered Torch

Origin
Originates in Ecuador

Description
This variety of Tillandsia can grow and thrive in a pot, unlike its more airy cousins. Just make sure it doesn't sit with soggy roots as it is still an epiphyte used to having a bit of air circulation around its feet! Like the other air plants, it grows in layers of green spikes, but this variety stands out because of the bright pink quill-shaped bract in the centre of the foliage. This variety will also occasionally sprout purple flowers from the quill; keep it in a bright spot to encourage flowering. This plant doesn't need repotting too frequently, so we'd recommend keeping it in a heavier cover pot to stop it getting too top-heavy!

Light
Likes bright, indirect light; think of the dappled light you'd get in the branches of a tree.

Water
Water when the top two inches of soil are dry; this plant does not like having soggy roots! Make sure it doesn't dry out too much as this can make it less likely to flower.

Humidity
Average humidity is fine for this plant; mist occasionally if it's in a particularly dry place.

Soil
Make sure it's a well-draining or chunky mix for this epiphyte; a mix with added sand or bark would work well.

Food
This slow-growing plant doesn't need much fertilising; if you replenish the soil every year this should provide enough nutrients. If you want to add extra, feed it at the beginning of the growing season.

Temperature
Average household temperatures of about 15-30°C are perfect- make sure it doesn't drop below 15°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
Try to use rainwater or distilled water when watering if possible; tapwater, especially hard water, can leave traces of the chemicals in it in your plant (like the limescale on taps or in kettles).

This plant doesn't need repotting too frequently, so we'd recommend keeping it in a heavier cover pot to stop it getting too top-heavy!