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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Sky Plant performs well with relatively little water once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Sky Plant after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and tropical climate as Sky Plant. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Sky Plant
Plant Sale lists Sky Plant as potted plants. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
