Tillandsia cyanea, often called pink quill or blushing bromeliad, is a striking epiphytic plant valued for its vibrant, paddle-shaped pink flower spike and delicate purple-blue flowers. This Tillandsia species features a rosette of narrow, arching green leaves and produces a prominent, flattened pink bract (flower spike) from which individual, short-lived, deep blue or purple flowers emerge. Its eye-catching display makes it a popular choice for indoor plant collections in the UK. It is a member of the Bromeliaceae family.
The genus name Tillandsia honours the Swedish physician and botanist, Elias Tillandz. Cyanea comes from the Greek word kyanos, meaning "blue," referring to the colour of its true flowers.
Light: Tillandsia cyanea thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while insufficient light can lead to less vibrant bract colours and reduced flowering. A spot near a bright window with filtered light in a UK home is ideal.
Water: Unlike many air plants, Tillandsia cyanea has a small central cup or "tank" formed by its leaves. Keep this central cup filled with soft water, such as distilled water, rainwater, or filtered water. Flush the cup with fresh water every one to two weeks to prevent stagnation. Additionally, water the potting mix when it feels dry to the touch, ensuring it remains lightly moist but never waterlogged.
Soil: A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential. A specialist bromeliad mix, or a blend of orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of sphagnum moss, is suitable. This type of mix will help prevent water accumulation around the roots.
Fertilising: Tillandsia cyanea is not a heavy feeder. During the growing season (spring and summer), a diluted liquid fertiliser formulated for bromeliads or orchids can be applied occasionally. Apply it as a foliar spray or by adding it to the water in the central cup. Reduce or stop fertilising during the cooler, less active months.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 18-27°C (65-80°F). It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F), which can occur in UK homes during winter.
Humidity: Tillandsia cyanea appreciates moderate to high humidity levels. While it can adapt to average indoor humidity in the UK, using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can be beneficial, especially during drier indoor environments with central heating.
Growth Habit: It has a clumping, rosette growth habit. The plant is typically grown in a small pot, with its roots primarily serving as an anchor.
Flowering: The primary attraction is the vibrant, long-lasting pink flower spike (bract) from which individual purple-blue flowers emerge. The bract can maintain its colour for several months. After the plant has finished flowering, it will gradually decline but often produces "pups" or offsets at its base, which can be separated and grown into new plants.
Toxicity: Tillandsia cyanea is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, it is always a good practice to prevent ingestion.