Pink Quill Tillandsia                                                        

Tillandsia cyanea  Linden ex Kock                                                                        

till-ANDZ-ee-ah sy-AN-ee-uh

Bromeliaceae subfamily Tillandsioideae

Explanation of name:  For Tillandsia, see Tillandsia bulbosa.  Cyanea refers to the blue flowers.

Natural range: Ecuador

Recognition:  Flattened paddle shaped plume of pink or red bracts with violet/blue flowers. Lanceolate leaves in a rosette arched form. Leaves are bright green with pointed apex.

Landscape uses: Bright indirect light. Use well drained half and half peat moss and sand or perlite. Requires moist, mildly acidic soil.  Can be used as an indoor plant. Hardiness zones 10a-11 Temperature range 60-75 degrees.

Internet sources: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/60996/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillandsia_cyanea

http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week050.shtml