We love this colourful foliage plant with its purple tinged leaves, it’s a wonderful houseplant to have in any home. Tillandsia ionantha, otherwise known as Blushing Bride, originates in the rainforests of Central and South America, Mexico and Costa Rica, so tropical climes. It is an epiphyte, meaning it gets its nutrition from its leaves rather than roots, and it lives on other trees.
This Tillandsia has gorgeous thin green, arching leaves with pink or red tinged edges and can even produce violet flowers in summer as long as it’s in a bright spot with indirect light. Flowers often aren’t produced until the plant is three years old, so if your plant doesn’t produce flowers at first this may be one of the reasons!
Tillandsia ionantha does not like being potted in compost but prefers a piece of wood that its roots can grip onto, or a hanging pot with some wood in the base.
Being a fairly cheap houseplant it’s accessible to everyone, and it makes a wonderful indoor hanging houseplant that will look stylish in any room. It also needs very little care or attention - so it’s ideal if you want a really low maintenance, small houseplant.
As an indoor plant gift we can make it even more special by enclosing a free, handwritten card bearing your choice of message. Just note your text at the basket stage of checkout - we’ll sort it out for you! And no giveaway paperwork when the plant is delivered!
Blushing Bride Care level
This plant is suitable for beginners.
Where should I put this Tillandsia?
Tillandsia ionantha prefers a bright spot but not hot, direct sun. It likes humidity so would suit a steamy kitchen or shower room. A south facing window. Think rainforest!
How much water should I give it?
You should allow the plant to dry out between waterings, on a wood block you can simply soak the wood. A mist every so often to keep it in tip top shape will also be welcome.
Is it suitable if I have pets?
No, it is toxic to cats and dogs.
How big is it?
It is a 20cm ball.
For more tips on general houseplant care, you can have a look at our video.
You may be inspired by this small hanging houseplant and want to try more. We recommend:
Tillandsia Ionantha Ball 20cm
Bring living spaces to life with handcrafted plant pots and planters. Our artisans use ethically sourced materials and age-old techniques to create striking and tactile garden planters, made from antique brass, natural seagrass, and terracotta. Check out our Indoor Pots & Planter Range here. All our plants are supplied in a plastic nursery pot
