Tillandsia Cyanea Anita - Care Advice
Tillandsia cyanea 'Anita,' better known as the Pink Quill Plant, is a real show-stopper. At first glance, it’s all about that incredible pink bract, it looks so striking on its own, you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s the main event. But then, just when you’re used to admiring it, it throws out dainty violet flowers from between the layers – a surprise encore that makes this plant extra special. Unlike most air plants that prefer life perched on branches, ‘Anita’ is usually grown potted in soil. That’s because it naturally grows with roots in the ground as well as on trees, which makes it a little more adaptable (and much easier to keep happy at home).
Light:
Place your Pink Quill near an East or West facing window where it will get plenty of light. A few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun will help the bract hold its colour, but avoid harsh midday rays that can scorch the leaves, especially right next to a window.
Water:
Water when the pot feels noticeably lighter, the plant likes a good drink but doesn’t want to sit soggy. Let water drain freely and check the weight of the pot roughly weekly, allowing the soil to almost (but not quite) dry out between watering. You’ll notice the bract stays vibrant longest when the plant isn’t left too dry for long periods. Leaf tips can brown if the plant isn’t watered frequently enough.
Soil:
Although it’s an air plant relative, ‘Anita’ does best potted in a chunky, free-draining mix (our houseplant soil blend is ideal). This keeps the roots anchored while allowing air circulation around the roots, preventing them for sitting wet for too long.
Temperature:
General household temperatures are perfect, ideally between 15–26°C. Occasional small fluctuations in temperature aren’t a problem, but cold draughts from windows or doors in winter can stress the plant, causing leaf tips to brown or slowing growth.
Feeding:
A light feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer will keep the bract looking fresh and encourage flowering. A diluted houseplant fertiliser works well.
A few last notes:
The pink bract is the star of the show, but it only lasts a few months. The violet flowers emerge from the bract and will last a week or two. Once flowering ends, the bract will slowly die back. Don’t worry when it fades—this is normal, and the plant itself is still healthy and growing. After the bract dies, you can trim it off neatly at the base. The plant will then slowly produce offsets (“pups”) from the base as it matures. These pups can eventually be separated to create new plants – the plant that keeps on giving!