How to Grow and Care for Pink Quill Bromeliads (Green Tillandsia) Indoors
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Botanical name: Tillandsia spp
Family: Bromeliaceae
Sufamily: Tillandsioideae
Common names: Pink Quill, Blue-flowered Torch
Description
Pink Quill Bromeliads (Green Tillandsia) also called Blue-flowered Torch is a vibrant houseplant which bears a long-lasting, long, flattened, flower-head with pink bracts and blue flowers.
The usual pattern is a rosette of leathery, strap-like foliage and flower-head which arises on a stalk from the cup-like center of rosette.
The leaves are covered with specialized cells called trichomes capable of rapidly absorbing water and nutrients that gathers on them.
Flower
The Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliads flower when mature usually after about 3 years. The flower-head is about 9-12 in. long and can last up to 3 months.
Once the flower-head fades, the rosette of leaves begins to die and is replaced by offsets (pups) at the base.
The display of the flower head is due to the presence of long-lasting showy bracts; true flowers are small and short-lived.
Origin
Pink Quill Bromeliads are native to the American Jungle, where they dwell among the Orchids in trees or on the forest floor.
Varieties
The most popular Green Tillandsia are Tillandsia lindenii (Blue-flowered Torch) and Tillandsia cyanea which has a more compact flower-head with flowers which are all-blue.
Unlike the Grey Tillandsia (Air Plants), these Tillandsia Bromeliads often referred to as Green Tillandsia, bear green grassy leaves and large flowers.
Where to Buy
Pink Quill Bromeliads in various sizes are available online at Etsy. Buy beautiful Pink Quill Bromeliads online from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Indoor Plants
Pink Quill Bromeliads Care Indoors
Pink Quill Bromeliads (Green Tillandsia) thrive in bright light but away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding during the growing season.
Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliads require regular pruning to keep them neat as well as provide space for the growth of pups. Repotting is not necessary as they are slow growers and once they flower, they die and leave behind pups. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Pink Quill Bromeliad grows best in bright light but away from direct sunlight as it can cause scorching of the leaves.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.
Where natural lighting is not adequate, you can grow the Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliads under a grow light to supplement it.
Watering
Like with other rosette Bromeliads, Pink Quill Bromeliads require the central 'vase' to be filled with water at all times. Empty and refill the 'vase' regularly to prevent growth of bacteria which may cause the water to become smelly.
Use only chlorine-free water as Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliads are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals that may be dissolved in water.
Water the soil only when it dries to keep the roots moist; avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease and death of the plant
Temperature
The best temperature for growing Pink Quill Bromeliad indoors is an average warmth with a minimum of 150C. To bring your Pink Quill Bromeliad to flower may require temperatures above 260C.
Humidity
Pink Quill Bromeliad requires a humid enviroment. If the humidity is too low, the plant will respond with brown leaf tips.
To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebbele tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Make sure that there is good air circulation to prevent pests and disease infestation.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Pink Quill Bromeliad with a liquid fertilizer (foliar feed) every 2 weeks during the growing season for lush growth. Do not feed during the cold season as growth is minimal and it may cause fertilizer burn in the bromeliad.
Repotting
Repotting Pink Quill Bromeliad is not necessary as it grows slowly and once mature they flower and die leaving behind pups which can be used to propagate new plants.
Pot Blue-flowered Torch in a shallow, heavy pot to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top-heavy. Provide support to help keep it upright and prevent it from toppling over as it has a tiny root system.
Soil
The best soil for Pink Quill Bromeliad should be rich in organic matter, loose, free-draining bark soil to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most orchid potting mixes are ideal. Buy quality Orchid Potting Mix for Blue-flowered Torch online from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Pink Quill Bromeliad involves removal of dead leaves to keep the plant neat and tidy and to allow adequate room for the new plants to grow. Remove the dead foliage from by cutting at the base with a clean knife or a pair of scissors.
Propagation
Pink Quill Bromeliads can be propagated from offsets (pups) appearing at the base of the plant.
How to propagate Pink Quill Bromeliads from offsets (pups)
When the Pink Quill Bromeliad offset (pup) is several months old or 1/3 to 1/2 the height of mother plant, cut it away from the mother plant.
Ensure the offset has some roots attached to it and plant the offset shallowly in loose, free-draining bark soil.
Use a shallow, heavy pot for the offset to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top heavy.
Place the set up in a warm, shaded place until the new Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliad is well established.
Ensure that the plant is well supported as it has a small root system and it may topple over.
Pink Quill Bromeliads Problems Indoors
Pink Quill Bromeliads problems indoors are due to cultural faults and include brown leaf tips, drooping leaves, plant death, leaf spots, pests and diseases among other. Read on for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Dark, soft and drooping leaves
Inadequate light for Pink Quill Bromeliad is the cause of dark, soft and drooping leaves as it grows best in bright light.
Move the Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliad to a brighter spot as it prefers bright light away from direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Plant dying
If the Pink Quill Bromeliad has not flowered, then root-rot brought about by soggy soil is the cause of its death.
Always ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy. Read on how to treat root-rot disease.
If the Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliad has flowered, then rotting and death of rosette which bore the flower-stalk is natural to give room for the new plants.
Remove the dead foliage by cutting at the base with a clean knife or a pair of scissors to keep the plant neat.
Brown leaf tips
Pink Quill Bromeliads brown leaf tips are caused by too dry air; too low humidity. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Pale, brown patches on the leaves
Pink Quill Bromeliads pale, brown patches on the leaves are due to exposure to direct sunlight as it does not like to be exposed to direct sunlight. Shield it from direct sunlight or move it to a shadier spot.
Pests
Common pests in Pink Quill Bromeliad are Scales and Mealy Bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with appropriate products like Neem oil or Insecticidal soap.
Is Pink Quill Bromeliad toxic?
Pink Quill Bromeliads (Green Tillandsia) are non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are safe to grow indoors.
However, the leaves bear short spines which may cause physical injury if handled with bare hands. Always wear gloves when handling Blue-flowered Torch Bromeliad to prevent injury.
