Pink Quill Tillandsia cyanea
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Pink Quill, this unique and attractive plant is distinguished by its vibrant and striking features. It has a gray-green coloration with slender, grass-like leaves that form a rosette pattern. The leaves have a leathery texture and may curve gracefully, which gives the plant a very natural and somewhat wild appearance. The most eye-catching aspect of the Pink Quill is its stunning inflorescence. The flower spike is a deep pink to reddish color, resembling a quill or paddle, which is where the common name comes from. Upon this colorful bract, small violet-blue flowers emerge that add a contrasting splash of color to the display. The blooming period of these small flowers is short-lived in comparison to the longevity of the pinkish bract, which can remain colorful for several months. Due to its air plant nature, the Pink Quill does not require soil and absorbs water and nutrients through its leaves from the air. Its growth habit and distinctive appearance make it a popular ornamental plant for indoor decoration. To add to its appeal, it is also known for its ease of care, requiring minimal maintenance to thrive.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pink Quill, Blue-Flowered Torch, Pink Quill Plant.
Common names
Tillandsia lindenii, Tillandsia morreniana, Platystachys cyanea, Platystachys lindenii, Wallisia lindenii, Wallisia cyanea.
ToxicityTo humans
The Pink Quill is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of this plant is not known to cause poisoning or serious side effects. However, it is always advisable to prevent ingestion of houseplants and to maintain proper hygiene practices after handling plants to avoid any potential skin irritation or allergic reactions.
To pets
The Pink Quill is also regarded as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in cats, dogs, or other household pets if they ingest parts of the plant. Although the Pink Quill should not lead to serious health issues, it is always best to monitor your pets and prevent them from chewing on houseplants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Ecuador
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Tillandsia cyanea, commonly known as Pink Quill, is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal watering and feeding.
- Adaptability: Pink Quill can adapt to a variety of indoor environments, making it a versatile choice for home or office decor.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long blooming period that can last several months, providing a decorative appeal with its striking pink flower bract.
- Space Efficiency: As an epiphytic plant, Pink Quill doesn't need soil to grow, which allows it to be placed in a variety of settings without taking up much space.
- Attractive Foliage: Pink Quill provides visual interest with its unique, silvery-green foliage that complements many decors.
- Pet Friendly: The plant is non-toxic, making it safe to keep around pets.
- Decoration Variety: Can be mounted on different surfaces or displayed in glass globes, offering a range of creative decoration possibilities.
- Gifting: With its exotic appearance and easy care, Pink Quill makes for a unique and thoughtful gift for plant enthusiasts.
Medical PropertiesTillandsia cyanea is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tillandsia cyanea, commonly known as pink quill, can be utilized as a natural piece of art by mounting it on driftwood, which gives a room a rustic, eco-friendly vibe.
- Create a living wreath with pink quill as an alternative to traditional flowers for a long-lasting door decoration that requires minimal care.
- Use pink quill as a natural gift alternative for weddings or parties, symbolizing air and love, which can be a unique, sustainable favor for guests.
- Incorporate pink quill into jewelry pieces or corsages for proms and weddings, offering a daring and eco-conscious accessory choice.
- Include pink quill in a terrarium setup to add vertical interest and a pop of color amongst other low-growing plant varieties.
- Use the pink quill’s vibrant bracts as inspiration for color palettes in interior design projects or art works, drawing from its hues for a tropical feel.
- Float pink quill in a shallow bowl of water as a modern and striking centerpiece for a dining table or during special events.
- Employ pink quill plants as educational tools in biology classes to explain epiphytic plant adaptation and survival strategies without soil.
- Harvest the seed from the dead inflorescence of the pink quill to experiment with plant propagation and gardening techniques.
- Attach pink quill to living walls or green installations in urban settings to bring unique texture and a burst of color to vertical green spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pink Quill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pink Quill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Affection: The Tillandsia cyanea, commonly known as the Pink Quill, often symbolizes love and affection due to its delicate and unique pink bloom that resembles a feather or quill used in traditional writing, indicating the gentle and tender gestures of love.
- Strength and Resilience: As an epiphytic plant that can grow without soil, the Pink Quill represents strength and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing resilience and independence in a person's life.
- Air Purification: The Pink Quill is believed to symbolize clean air and purity because it removes toxins from its surroundings, making it emblematic of a positive and fresh start or environment.
WaterThe care for the Pink Quill involves misting with water rather than traditional soil watering. It should be watered by misting thoroughly once a week, with the frequency increasing to several times per week in a hot or dry climate. Directly spray the plant with room-temperature water, ensuring that the central cup and leaves are dampened. The Pink Quill needs a sufficient amount of water; broadly, about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of water per month should suffice to keep the humidity level around the plant ideal, but always adjust depending on the humidity of your environment.
LightPink Quill thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a location where it can receive plenty of light but protected from the harsh direct afternoon sun. An east- or west-facing window covered by a sheer curtain would provide optimal lighting conditions, allowing it to absorb the necessary light without being damaged by intense sun exposure.
TemperaturePink Quill prefers warm conditions with temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it could cause harm to the plant. The ideal temperature range is crucial for the health of this epiphytic plant; ensure it is not placed in locations prone to cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
PruningPruning for Pink Quill is usually done to remove spent flowers or dead foliage to maintain its appearance and promote health. After the quill-like bloom has faded, it can be carefully cut off at the base. Pruning is best performed immediately after flowering, typically every few years, as this plant is a slow grower and flowers infrequently. Always use clean, sharp scissors to make your cuts to prevent damage to the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pink Quill prefers a fast-draining mix like orchid bark with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.0, ideal for good air circulation and moisture retention.
RepottingThe Pink Quill should be repotted every few years as it is a slow-growing plant, with care taken not to damage its delicate roots system.
Humidity & MistingPink Quill thrives best in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% and 70%, which mimics its natural tropical environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light with good air circulation for the Pink Quill.
Outdoor
Protect Pink Quill from direct sun; warm, sheltered spot is best.
Hardiness zone
11-12 USDA
Life cycleTillandsia cyanea, also known as the Pink Quill plant, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in a suitable environment—typically on a host tree or object where it can absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. The seedling develops into a small rosette of leaves that gathers water and nutrients from the atmosphere through specialized cells called trichomes. As the plant matures, it forms a distinctive bright pink bract from which violet flowers emerge, characterizing its flowering stage, which is key for reproduction. After flowering, the plant produces seeds and pups, or offsets, at the base of the mother plant, signaling the next generation. The offsets grow independently, gradually maturing into adult plants, completing the life cycle as the original plant slowly dies after flowering. This process can span several years, with the Pink Quill plant flowering usually only once in its lifetime.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Tillandsia cyanea, commonly known as the Pink Quill Plant, is through the division of offsets, also known as "pups." These pups usually grow at the base of the parent plant after the main plant has flowered. Once a pup reaches about one-third the size of the parent plant and has a few roots, it can be gently pulled away from the main plant. It's best to propagate during the warmer, growing season such as spring or early summer, to give the new Pink Quill Plant enough time to establish before cooler weather. After separating, the pup should be placed in an appropriate growing medium where it will form its own independent root system and eventually mature into a new Pink Quill Plant.
