Tillandsia - ionantha ‘Penito’

Description: Tillandsia ionantha ‘Penito’ is the rare and highly sort after “tower form” of Ionantha. The first image shows the mother plant which these pups have been removed from.

CAUTION: Although these pups are all taken from a true Penito (as seen in first image), it is not guaranteed that they will grow into a Penito. We have found that depending on growing conditions they can “flower early” before they develop their tower form. (Please see last image of pup which flowered early). We have been advised that Paradisia Nursery in VIC have been growing these to full size for about 10 years with no issue. However growers in QLD (including us) have had issues with them flowering early. 

T. Ionantha is one of the most attractive of the smaller species. Most of the year it is green, but it will turn a bright Pink when it blooms in order to attract hummingbirds to pollinate it. This plant has narrow, tubular flowers which rise from the foliage and are a deep purple. This plant produces multiple offsets over time to become a large cluster.

Position: They should receive bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, an east or west facing window area is ideal. Outdoors under partially shaded conditions is fine but in the colder states protection from frost is required, so an undercover or indoors area is more appropriate. 

Watering: As a general rule, a plant in a hot position will require watering every 2-3 days. In a dark, humid environment watering once per week can often be adequate. This can be achieved by misting or dunking the plant. If outdoors, a hose can be used. When dunking a plant, leave submerged in a bowl of water for 10-20 minutes before shaking off excess water. Air plants love to dry out completely between each watering and must never have water sitting at their base as this will cause the plant to rot.

Fertilisation: We recommend fertilising your Air Plants once a fortnight in the warmer months and once a month through winter. We sell Air Plant Fertiliser in our "Decor" section and this bottle can be diluted to create 1L of fertiliser.

Each living plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, colour or shape depending on the season. Flowering plants are sent when available.