Photo: Neptalí Ramírez MarcialCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Pink Quill Plant Care
Tillandsia lampropoda L.B.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tillandsia lampropoda is a stunning plant with vibrant pink quill-like flowers that make it stand out in any collection. Originating from the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru, this air plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique appearance and easy care requirements.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
50–90°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Pink Quill?
Water Pink Quill every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Pink Quill Native To?
What Is the Pink Quill?
Pink Quill (Tillandsia lampropoda) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Tillandsia genus. Pink Quill is native to Central America and southern Mexico, from Oaxaca to Panama. Pink Quill is also known as Tillandsia cyanea.
Pink Quill displays a clumping, air plant growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Pink Quill produces colorful bracts with tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pink Quill?
Tillandsia lampropoda requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pink Quill Need?
Pink Quill thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Pink Quill in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pink Quill Prefer?
Tillandsia lampropoda grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Pink Quill prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pink Quill?
Well-draining epiphytic mix like bark, sphagnum moss, or tree fern fiber. Good drainage is essential for Pink Quill to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pink Quill?
Feed Pink Quill every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Pink Quill?
No need for traditional potting, can be mounted or placed in decorative containers. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Pink Quill?
Pink Quill can be propagated through offsets (pups), seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tricolor airplant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pink Quill Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pink Quill, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pink Quill?
Pink Quill is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pink Quill Need?
Pink Quill grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pink Quill is native to Central America and southern Mexico, from Oaxaca to Panama. In cooler regions, grow Pink Quill as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Pink Quill is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tillandsia genus — compare its care with other Tillandsia species on PlantoScan.
Tillandsia is part of the Bromeliaceae plant family — browse all Bromeliaceae genera and species.
Pink Quill thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tillandsia Species
Other Tillandsia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tillandsia lampropoda L.B.Sm., family Bromeliaceae (first published in Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Bot. Ser. 17: 320. 1938) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pink Quill, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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