Description
About Tillandsia seleriana x ionantha
Tillandsia seleriana x ionantha is a hybrid of two Central American species. Tillandsia seleriana gives it a swollen, bulbous base and silver scales. Ionantha gives it a compact rosette and a strong red blush at bloom.
The result is a plump, easy plant. Minis start at 1.5 inches, larges pass 4 inches, and clumps carry two to five pups.
In bloom the leaves flush red and violet flowers open from the centre. The photos show mature plants at that stage. Current stock is green and not yet blushing.
It grows faster than pure seleriana and stays tougher than pure ionantha. That is the point of the cross.
We grade it in four single sizes and two clump sizes. It is inexpensive, quick and colourful, so it suits kits, gift boxes and mixed wholesale assortments.
Growing Tillandsia seleriana x ionantha: Care Guide
Seleriana lives with ants inside its hollow base in the wild, and that base holds water in cultivation. So the one rule is drainage: soak it, then invert it and shake until the base is empty. Do that and it is trouble free. It is also a good beginner plant for exactly that reason: one clear habit to learn, and everything else is forgiving.
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun. Sun brings the blush.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 10 to 14 days.
- Drying: Invert and shake hard. Keep it upside down until the base is dry.
- 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 base to wood, or wire it. Never bury the bulb.
- Pups: Two to five pups after bloom. Clumps build fast.
Browse more Rare Air Plants, or see our air plant care guide.
