Tillandsia ionantha RubraAbd2206 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Houseplant · Cultivar

Tillandsia ionantha Rubra

Parent species: Tillandsia ionantha

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Botanical fact sheet

Tillandsia ionantha Rubra

✓ Verified fact sheet Nov 7, 2026
Tillandsia ionantha Rubra
Photo: Abd2206CC BY-SA 4.0sourceInfringing image? Let us know
Taxonomy
Family: Bromeliaceae · Genus: Tillandsia
Plant type
Evergreen, perennial, epiphytic bromeliad. A compact, rosette-growing atmospheric plant. It develops elongated, narrow leaves covered with silvery scales. Before flowering, the leaves change to an intense reddish or pink color.
Native distribution
The natural distribution area of the Tillandsia ionantha species is Mexico and Central America. The 'Rubra' horticultural variety does not have a distinct natural distribution area.
Natural habitat
The species has an epiphytic lifestyle, settling on tree branches and rocky surfaces. In its natural habitats, it utilizes moisture from air humidity and precipitation.
Height / growth form
A compact, dense, rosette-growing, small-sized atmospheric bromeliad. Mature specimens typically reach a height and width of about 10 cm.
Flowering period
It can flower in spring and summer. Before flowering, the leaves exhibit vibrant red or pink coloration. Its flowers are tubular, violet-blue or purplish, developing from reddish bracts.
Growth & dormancy period
An evergreen, perennial plant. It can grow year-round with adequate light, temperature, and moisture. A precisely defined dormancy period for the horticultural 'Rubra' variety is not documented.
Ecology
An epiphytic atmospheric bromeliad. Its roots primarily serve for anchorage. The silvery trichomes on the leaf surfaces help in the absorption of water and atmospheric moisture. In its natural environment, it lives on trees and the surfaces of other plants, developing without soil.
Sources (1)
  1. Tillandsia ionantha Planch. · Accepted name
Community knowledge

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Real data

How members water it

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Care guidelines

How it thrives

Partly general data for the genus Tillandsia
Waterlowparent species data
Lightfull sunparent species data
Humiditymediumgeneral genus data
Min. temperature10 °Cparent species data
No dormancy · general genus dataDifficulty: ●●○○○ · general genus data✓ Not known to be toxic · general genus data

No monthly schedule is shown because cultivar-/species-level data is not yet sufficient. The general values above are guidance only.

Tillandsia tip: Soak it weekly for 20 minutes, then let it dry upside down within 4 hours.

⚠ Pets & children · genus Tillandsia
Not known to be toxic 🐱 🐶 🧒details →
At a glance

Tillandsia ionantha Rubra – what to know

Tillandsia ionantha Rubra is a cultivar of Tillandsia ionantha (Bromeliaceae). Native range: The natural distribution area of the Tillandsia ionantha species is Mexico and Central America. The 'Rubra' horticultural variety does not have a distinct natu…. Care guidelines: light: full sun; water: low; min. 10 °C. One Perfect Plants Club member grows it (0 photos). It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Tillandsia ionantha Rubra?

Sparingly: let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and water even less in winter.

How much light does Tillandsia ionantha Rubra need?

It needs plenty of direct sun – the sunniest window, or outdoors in summer, suits it best.

How cold can Tillandsia ionantha Rubra get?

Keep it above 10 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter.

Is Tillandsia ionantha Rubra toxic to cats and dogs?

It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.

When does Tillandsia ionantha Rubra flower?

According to the general guideline for the genus Tillandsia: Typical flowering time: March, April, May, June.

Community intelligence

What members’ data shows

When does it really bloom?

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Average watering interval

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Questions about this species

Same genus

Tillandsia

Care data is for guidance only.

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