The Quill Plant, Tillandsia cyanea, is a distinctive bromeliad known for its unique appearance. Its common name, “Pink Quill,” comes from the prominent, paddle-shaped pink bract, which resembles an old-fashioned ink quill. Delicate violet-blue flowers emerge from this vibrant bract. Native to Ecuador’s rainforests, this plant is an epiphyte, growing on other plants or structures rather than in soil. Unlike many air plants, Tillandsia cyanea thrives when potted in a suitable substrate.
Quill Plant Care Essentials
Light
Quill Plants flourish in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window provides suitable filtered sunlight, which helps maintain vibrant colors and encourages blooming. Avoid direct afternoon sun, as intense light can scorch delicate leaves and the colorful bract. Insufficient light can cause the plant’s colors to fade and prevent blooming.
Watering
Watering a Quill Plant involves its roots and central bract. Keep the potting medium consistently moist but never waterlogged, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Lightly misting the central bract every few days is beneficial, especially in dry conditions, but avoid letting water sit in the bract to prevent rot. Use rainwater or distilled water, as Quill Plants are sensitive to chlorine and salts in tap water.
Humidity and Temperature
Quill Plants prefer moderate to high humidity, ideally 50% to 70%. In drier indoor environments, misting or a cool-mist humidifier can increase humidity. A pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in it, also contributes to localized humidity. Quill Plants thrive in average room temperatures between 60-85°F (16-29°C) and need protection from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Potting Medium and Repotting
A light, well-draining potting mix prevents root rot, as Quill Plant roots are primarily for anchoring rather than water absorption. Suitable mixes include orchid bark, perlite, a small amount of peat moss, or commercial bromeliad mixes. The plant does not require frequent repotting, usually every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its container. When repotting, select a container only one size larger than the previous one, ensuring adequate drainage holes.
Fertilization
Quill Plants benefit from light fertilization during their active growing season in spring and summer. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer, formulated for bromeliads or air plants, monthly. The fertilizer can be misted onto the leaves and bract or watered into the soil. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the plant’s foliage.
Common Quill Plant Challenges
Quill Plants can experience common issues. Browning leaf tips may indicate low humidity or mineral buildup from tap water; increase ambient humidity and use distilled or rainwater to alleviate this. A lack of blooms stems from insufficient light, so move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location. Consistently warm temperatures, around 75°F (24°C), also encourage flowering.
Mealybugs and scale insects can affect Quill Plants. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses, while scale insects manifest as small, hard bumps on leaves. These pests feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and potential leaf drop. Manage infestations by dabbing pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap. Root rot, characterized by yellowing leaves and a soft base, results from overwatering or poorly draining soil; allow the soil to dry between waterings and ensure proper drainage to prevent this.
Propagating Quill Plants
Quill Plants propagate through offsets, called “pups,” which emerge from the base of the mother plant. The mother plant produces these pups after flowering and will gradually decline as the pups grow.
To propagate, allow pups to reach at least one-third the size of the mother plant before separating them. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to cleanly cut the pup away from the parent plant. Pot separated pups shallowly in a fresh, well-draining mix suitable for bromeliads or orchids.