Description
About Tillandsia ionantha x caput medusae
Tillandsia ionantha x caput medusae is a hybrid between two of the best-known air plants in the trade: Tillandsia ionantha and Tillandsia caput-medusae. Both parents are Mexican and Central American, and both are as easy as air plants get.
The hybrid takes the swollen, bulbous base and twisting leaves of caput-medusae and the compact, quick habit of ionantha. The leaves are shorter and more numerous than on caput-medusae, and the base is smaller.
It clumps fast. Where a caput-medusae gives one to three pups, this hybrid keeps producing, and a single grows into a large clump within a few seasons.
It is also a prolific bloomer. The leaves blush at flowering, and violet flowers open from a short red spike.
We grade it in three sizes: smalls at 3 to 4 inches, mediums at 5 to 6 inches and larges at 7 inches and above. It is a good step up from ionantha for shops, with more shape at a small-plant price.
Growing Tillandsia ionantha x caput medusae: Care Guide
Both parents want bright light and quick drying, and the hybrid is no different. The bulbous base is hollow like a caput-medusae, so every soak must end upside down with a shake until nothing runs out. Given that, the plant tolerates neglect, dry shop air and a missed watering without complaint. A clump holds water between the bulbs, so shake it from several angles and hang it to finish drying. Bright light with some direct sun keeps the leaves tight and brings the colour at bloom, while shade stretches the leaves and softens the shape.
- Light: Bright light with direct sun for part of the day.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake hard. Drain the bulb completely.
- 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 the bulb to wood or a shell. Never bury the base.
- Pups: Many. Leave them on for a clump.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Air Plants.
