Description
About Tillandsia ionantha Mexico form
Tillandsia ionantha Mexico form is our seed-grown Mexican Tillandsia ionantha. The singles have been grown from seed here over the last five years, so they are fully hardened plants rather than fresh-cut pups.
It is a very hardy plant, easy to care for, with the compact habit of the Mexican populations: short, closely set leaves in a tight rosette.
At bloom the whole plant flushes red and opens violet flowers. Out of bloom it is green to grey-green with a silver coat.
It grows into a cluster quickly. We sell minis from 1 inch, smalls from 1.5 inches and mediums from 1.75 inches, plus clumps with three to five pups and the mother, and large clumps on wire.
The Mexico form is the ionantha to stock when uniformity matters. Seed-grown plants of one age match each other in size and shape, which suits kits, favours and multi-plant displays. Our Mexico type 2 is the smaller listing sold in tens.
Growing Tillandsia ionantha Mexico form: Care Guide
Mexican ionanthas come from drier, brighter country than the Guatemalan ones, so this form takes more sun and a little less water. Bright light with direct sun for part of the day, a soak every week to ten days and a full dry-out are the routine. A tight rosette holds water at the centre, so invert it and shake, and give a clump a shake from several angles. Seed-grown plants are tougher than pups, because they have never been cut, and they settle into a shop without a sulk. Feed monthly and the clumps build fast.
- Light: Bright light with direct sun for part of the day.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake. Clumps need shaking from several angles.
- 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 or cork. Small plants suit terrarium work.
- Pups: Frequent. Clumps double in a season.
Browse more Air Plants, or read our air plant care guide.
