Native to, you guessed it, Mexico, Tillandsia Ionantha Mexican, or Mexico as some people like to name it is the hardiest of all of the Ionantha.
Quick Guide
How To Care For Tillandsia Ionantha Mexican
Although Ionantha will grow under lower light conditions, be it very slowly, they definitely prefer bright indirect sunlight.
Ionantha Mexican also prefers high levels of humidity which is the key to growing a strong and healthy plant.
Mexican has short thick bright green leaves that are evenly covered in tiny trichomes which help the plant absorb water and reflect strong sunlight.
Smaller in size and shape than most other varieties of Ionantha, Mexican is often used in globes, terrariums, and reptile tanks. Be careful though, air plants need good air circulation to flourish.
How To Water Tillandsia Ionantha Mexican
This hardy variety is easy to look after and can survive for up to two weeks without water. However, I recommend soaking your plant once a week.
Soaking for about 20-30 minutes should be sufficient. You can also mist your plant 2-3 times a week, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
Don’t use distilled water. Distilled water doesn’t hold the nutrients air plants need to grow. Soft tap water is fine, or better still rainwater.
How To Propagate Tillandsia Ionantha Mexican
Ionantha Mexican’s growth rate is relatively quick compared to other varieties of Ionantha and has a tendency to form large clumps of multiple plants.
This variety readily grows new pups/offsets and large clumps can include as many as forty-plus plants all joined together and looks stunning.
Remove the pups carefully by hand or with a knife and treat them the same way you treat the parent plant but with a little extra misting in the first two to three weeks after removal.
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Flowers And Expert Tips
It is very tempting to let Mexicans grow into large clumps rather than remove the pups to create individual plants. If/when multiple plants flower simultaneously in a clump it’s an awesome sight.
Similar to Tillandsia Ionantha Fuego, Ionantha Mexican leaves turn pinkish-red as the plant matures. The color then intensifies as the plant starts the blooming process.
The flowers are typical of the Ionantha varieties and grow from the center of the rosette. The flowers are purple and narrow and form a tubular-like structure.
Tillandsia Ionantha Mexican Hybrids
Ionantha Mexican is native to Mexico as the name suggests but it’s not the only type of Ionantha found there. There are many varieties found in Mexico and the surrounding regions and they should not be confused with naturalized hybrids. I don’t know of any naturalized or cultivated Mexican hybrids off the top of my head so if you know of any please do get in touch.
To find out more about each variety of Ionantha you’re welcome to read our in-depth Ionantha article for more information.
Did you know that hybrids occur in nature by chance as well as being cultivated in nurseries and enthusiasts’ gardens and homes?
