The Pink Quill Plant
An outstanding small bromeliad, Tillandsia cyanea or ‘Pink Quill plant’, produces a long lasting bloom that consists of a tall pink to mauve flower bract or quill, with individual blue flowers opening from each segment from the lower section mooring towards the top.
The flower spike or bract will last for 2 – 3 months and will hold its colour well. The individual blue flowers will last 2 – 4 days before dropping off and the next one appearing.
This is an evergreen plant, the foliage is a mid green and strap like, attractive in itself. The blue flowers have a gentle fragrance, more apparent in warmer weather. The flower spike will be a deeper co lour in brighter light than in shade.
Flowering is more prolific during warmer periods, many gardeners will grow this wonderful easy care plant on a warm patio for this reason, however they can also be grown in the garden given the right conditions.
Pictured right is the flower bract of Tillandsia cyanea and it becomes apparent why this is often called the ‘Pink Quill plant’. If you are looking for other spectacular species then Tillandsia dyeriana is well worth a look.
Tillandsia cyanea Care at a Glance (Quick Reference)
- Light→ Bright, filtered/indirect light; some morning sun boosts color
- Water→ Moderate; mist or water cup/soil regularly, excellent drainage key
- Temperature→ 15–29°C (60–85°F); protect from frost
- Humidity→ Moderate to high; misting helps in dry air
- Fertilizer→ Diluted high-N/K formula indoors during growth; minimal outdoors
- Growth Rate→ Moderate; reaches maturity in 2–3 years for blooming
Detailed Tillandsia cyanea Care Instructions
1. Light Requirements
Bright light is crucial for vibrant bract color and reliable flowering.
- Best position— Strong filtered light or dappled shade (east/west window indoors, partial shade outdoors)
- Indoors— Near a bright window (but not direct harsh sun); 6+ hours of bright indirect light
- Outdoors— Warm patio or garden in filtered light; a little morning sun enhances pink hues without scorching
Tip— Deeper pink bracts in brighter spots; paler in shade — move to more light if needed, and watch for leaf burn
2. Watering & Humidity (Balance is Key!)
As an epiphyte, it absorbs moisture through leaves and (when potted) roots — but hates sogginess.
- Misting/Spraying— Mist leaves 2–3 times a week (more in summer/hot/dry conditions); fill the central cup if present
- Watering (potted)— Water every 2–4 weeks when top feels dry; use well-drained mix and let excess drain fully
- Soaking (air plant style)— Occasional full soak 20–30 minutes every 1–2 weeks if mounted; shake dry
- Drying→ Good airflow essential — dry within hours to prevent rot
- Signs of thirst— Curling leaves or dry tips
- Overwatering signs→ Mushy base, brown rot — cut back and improve drainage/airflow
Pro tip:In humid or outdoor spots, natural rain/mist often suffices. Indoors, bathrooms or kitchens with circulation work great.
3. Fertilizer
Encourages lush growth and better blooms.
- Use diluted bromeliad/air plant fertilizer (high in nitrogen/potassium, ¼–½ strength)
- Apply via mist or soil water monthly in spring/summer
- Reduce or skip in winter; outdoors often needs little to none
4. Mounting & Display Ideas
Versatile — pot, mount, or hang!
- Pot in well-drained orchid/bromeliad mix for easy care (like most sold plants)
- Mount on cork, wood, or wire for true epiphyte look
- Group in larger terrariums (open for airflow) or on patios for tropical vibe
- Cluster pups for fuller displays over time
5. Common Problems & Solutions
- Rot— Overwatering/poor drainage. Dry out, improve airflow; remove affected parts
- Fading bract/pale color— Low light. Move to brighter spot gradually
- No blooming— Young plant (needs 2–3 years maturity) or low light/fertilizer. Boost conditions
- Pests— Rare; scale/mealybugs possible (treat with alcohol wipe or insecticidal soap)
How Big Does Tillandsia cyanea Get?
Compact rosette: 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) tall, spreading 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) wide with arching leaves. Flower bract adds 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) height. It stays small but can form nice clumps with pups.
Propagation
Propagation by division of offsets or ‘pups’ is the easiest method
More Information
Pictured right we have the true flower of Tillandsia cyanea a series of vibrant purple to blue blooms that appears progressively from the lower part of the flower bract towards the top over a period of 2 -4 weeks. You will notice that the bract itself on this particular plant is not as pink as some, this is due to a slight lake of light. A week or two in brighter light and this will color up nicely.
Tillandsia cyanea is available for sale from the following nurseries.
Thomas and Rene Neville from ‘The Buddha’s Garden Nursery’ in Gippsland has been growing these wonderful plants on mounts (see picture far right), very successfully, for a number of years. Closer to the natural growing conditions than the potted specimens we see in Garden Centres. They sell a range of bromeliads mounted and in containers at markets around Victoria.
You can contact Thomas on 0498 102 774 or Rene on 03 5668 1667.
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