AIR PLANT BROMELIAD Tillandsia ionantha
Rarely offered from seeds, the Sky Plant (also known as Shy Plant or Air Plant) is an easy to grow bromelaid that does not require planting in soil (though you can plant them in soil if you prefer)! You can get creative as to where to grow your Sky Plant. Plants grow to 10cm tall, and range in color from gray to red. At the time of flowering, the leaf-tips turn a brilliant red-pink, and plants produce flower that are a stunning violet/purple and yellow. Plants can be grown outdoors in zones 8-11. In summer grow in bright light, and in winter place in location that receives some sun.
If keeping out of a pot, then plants should be regularly misted to help them absorb moisture. They also like a weekly or bi-weekly soaking, just a few minuted submerged in water, and then allow to dry. These plants require less moisture in the winter, and more during the growing season. Occasional fertillizing (an extremely mild 20-20-20 fertilizer) is beneficial.
If planting in a pot, use a mix of sphagnum moss, sphagnum peat, and pearlite, plus gravel for the bottom of the pot. This mixture is also ideal for seed germination. See below.
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: Place seeds on the surface of a pre-moistened mixture of sphagnum moss, sphagnum peat, and pearlite. Do not bury the seeds as they require light to germinate. Moisten the seeds with a spray bottle, and then place the container in a clear plastic bag to retain moisture. Keep in a bright location. Seeds should form a green spot within 4 weeks, and then a couple weeks later grow their first leaves.
