Description
About Tillandsia ionantha fuego
Tillandsia ionantha fuego is the small, red form of Tillandsia ionantha. Fuego means fire, and in bright light the plant holds a high red blush all year, not only at bloom.
It is smaller than the Guatemala and rubra forms. Smalls are 1 inch, and extra-larges are 2.5 inches. Young plants look different from adults, with thinner leaves; they thicken and colour as they mature.
Because it stays small and pups freely, fuego makes tight, dense clumps. We sell clumps from a mother with two pups up to extra-large clumps on hanging wire.
The bloom adds a violet flower to the red rosette. Not every plant is blushing when it ships; colour depends on the light it has been under, and it returns in a bright spot.
Fuego is the colour plant in the ionantha range. Guatemala is the volume plant; fuego is the one customers photograph. At 60 cents it is still a volume price.
Growing Tillandsia ionantha fuego: Care Guide
Fuego is as tough as any ionantha. The one rule is light: in shade it goes green, and in bright light it goes red. Everything else is standard ionantha care, and it forgives most mistakes short of leaving it wet.
- Light: Bright light with direct sun for part of the day. Sun makes the red.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Tight rosettes hold water at the centre.
- Airflow: Good airflow after each soak.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer at quarter strength.
- Mounting: Glue to shells, cork or wood. Wired clumps hang straight from the box.
- Pups: Two to four pups after bloom. Clumps build fast.
Browse more Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
