Types Of Air Plants: Ionantha And How To Grow Them

Posted on June 08, 2015 by Les Stein

Air plaints, otherwise known as Tillandsia, are not only colorful and easy to care for, but also do not cost a lot and are small and easy enough to grow any where indoors. This makes air plants great for small apartments.

The majority of airplants come from Central and South America, but they are also found in California, Texas and a few other areas of the USA. The reason the name given is air plant is because of how they feed – they get their hydration and nutrients from the air. 

A prime example of airplants is the Ionantha family, which includes Fuego, Mexicana, Rubra and numerous other varieties. Before they go into bloom, the Ionantha's will be  mainly green in overall color.  During the bloom cycle, the top leaves of the plants will turn bright red, then produce tubular purple flowers with yellow pistils. The flowering cycle is truly magnificent.

When buying Ionantha air plants online, the majority of them will be 1.5" to 2” high at the time they are purchased, but will grow about another inch during maturity.

Ionantha's are some of the easiest to grow, reproduce and maintain. Check out our other blogs to learn more about air plant maintenance.

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