Tillandsia guatemalensis
Pink quill
Description
Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)Tillandsia guatemalensis is a species of flowering plant in the genus Tillandsia. This species is native to Mexico and Central America.
💡 The slender green leaves of the pink quill give rise to a pink bract that forms a striking flat fan shape. Its flowers bloom sequentially from bottom to top, with the blue and purple blooms resembling butterflies flitting around a pink bud.
🌳 Pink quill plants can be grouped together in flowerbeds or used to create attractive borders. Additionally, they make lovely potted plants that can be displayed indoors.
🎭 Flawless and persistent
Care Guide
💧 Water
Pink quill, a plant native to the humid climates of Central America, thrives with consistent moisture and high humidity, although it can tolerate moderate drought. To promote healthy growth and prevent root rot—especially indoors—water the plant weekly and place it in bright, indirect light to encourage proper evaporation.
☀️ Light Partial sun
Pink quill comes from habitats with dappled or filtered light, such as the forest understory or rocky locations that provide natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Pink quill prospers in warm conditions. If the surrounding temperature drops too low, the plant may stop growing or incur frost damage. It withstands high heat and humidity well and needs a steady level of moisture in its environment. Nonetheless, excessively high temperature and humidity can make it prone to fungal infections. In dry conditions, routine watering and misting are needed to keep the air sufficiently humid. The plant is sensitive to abrupt temperature swings, so keeping the temperature relatively steady is important.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
To ensure optimal growth and health, plant pink quills at a depth of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches).
✂️ Pruning
To keep your pink quill plant healthy and well-shaped, prune it in early spring. Start by removing any dried or damaged leaves at the base to encourage new growth and reduce the risk of disease. Regular pruning not only enhances air circulation but also improves the plant's appearance. Be sure to sterilize your tools before you start pruning to prevent any infections.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb, Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Tillandsia
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama