Pink Quill

The Pink Quill is a bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) and part of the pineapple family. It is in the genus Tillandsia which is the most numerous in this family. Approximately 500 species can be found.

This extraordinary flowering plant is frequently found to grow on other plants (epiphytes), however, they are not parasitic, and therefore are also found growing on rocks, cliffs, and other areas without soil. They can be found in deserts, forests, mountains of Mexico, southern United States, and Central and South America.

Anatomy


The pink quill is a perennial monocot. The mature height of the Tillandsia is 9"-12". Its most striking characteristic is it flower, which is an abnormally vibrant color of lush red or a vivid pink. The leaves are thin or thick depending on whether they grow in rainy areas or are subject to drought respectively. The leaves have structures called trichomes used to gather nutrients from the air (dust, decaying leaves and insect matter).

Reproduction


Tilandsia can reproduce both sexually or asexually, and is bisexual having both male and female reproduction organs. Their primary method is through vegetative reproduction during which they form shoots at the base of an plant called "pups". If one of the pups is separated from the parent, it will continue growing on its own.

Ecology
It does its best in bright, indirect sunlight. They need medium tempatures. The best for them is 50 to 65 degrees at night and 68 or higher during the day. They can grown without soil and attach themselves to another plant and grow off of them. If they do live in soil they need loose soil that will drain quickly. If it is in soil it should be kept moist at all times.

Related References

 * Tillandsia wikipedia
 * Tillandsia botanical-online
 * Tillandsia cyanea flowers