Description
About Tillandsia ionantha Rosita
Tillandsia ionantha Rosita is a named clone of Tillandsia ionantha var. stricta. It is small and narrow-leaved, and it forms a neat pincushion rosette.
Colour is the reason to stock it. As bloom approaches, the rosette blushes from pink toward scarlet. In good light it can hold that colour for months, not weeks.
Flowers are tubular and purple-violet, and they emerge straight from the centre. Because the plant is so compact, the contrast between red leaves and violet petals is striking.
We offer Rosita in four grades from 1-inch minis to large rosettes. It is a strong seller for terrarium kits and gift shops, so buy it in quantity.
Rosita also ships well. The firm leaves and small size mean very little transit damage, and plants recover fast after unboxing. Many shops order it alongside larger ionanthas for a tiered display.
Growing Tillandsia ionantha Rosita: Care Guide
Rosita is as forgiving as any ionantha. Give it light and it will do the rest.
- Light: Bright light, including some morning sun. Light drives the blush.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days. Mist in between during hot spells.
- Drying: Invert and shake, then dry within four hours.
- Airflow: Moving air keeps the tight rosette from holding water.
- Temperature: Happy from 45°F to 95°F. Protect from frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. Steady feeding deepens the colour.
- Mounting: Glue to shells, cork or wire frames. Small plants suit our Air Plant Displays.
- Pups: Pups quickly after bloom. Two to four offsets is typical.
See our air plant care guide for more, or browse the rest of our Rare Air Plants.
