A tiny rootless air plant that absorbs moisture through silvery scaled leaves, blushing red and producing violet flowers at bloom time. Mounts on bark, shells or driftwood needing no soil at all.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 8 cm H × 6 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Sky Plant
Tillandsia ionantha is a slow-growing perennial in the Bromeliaceae family. It reaches around 8 cm tall and 6 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Purple flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Sky Plant
Sky Plant suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Sky Plant does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Sky Plant is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Sky Plant after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Sky Plant in the garden
Sky Plant earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Sky Plant with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and tropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Sky Plant
Plant Sale lists Sky Plant as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.