Tillandsia Cyanea (Pink Quill) Post-Bloom Care: Remove the Paddle for Rebloom

Your Tillandsia cyanea (Pink Quill) finished blooming—the purple paddle faded to green. Twist or cut off the old bloom stalk to trigger a new pup that will bloom again.

Complete Care Guide for Lava Rock Tillandsia

General

• Bromeliad, air plant—doesn't need soil
• Acidic peat-based mix with sand works if potted
• Reuse lava rock for pups
• Creative mounting: driftwood, hanging, marble-filled jars

Watering

• Leaves curve to catch water—mist thoroughly 1-2×/week
• Keep "reservoir" moist (2 cm water in cup)
• Lava rock: submerge 30 sec when nearly dry
• Roots hate staying wet

Humidity

• Ideal: humid air (most homes too dry)
• Mist frequently + pebble tray with water

Light

• Keep dust-free (blocks light)
• NO direct sun
• Bright indirect/abundant filtered light

Temperature

• Above freezing, ideally 70°F
• Nothing over 90°F
• Consistency preferred

Fertilizer

• Spring/summer: bloom fertilizer 2×/month (diluted per label)

Forcing Rebloom

When pup is established: place in airtight bag with ripe apple for 2-3 days → blooms in 6-14 weeks (ethylene gas trigger).

Your plant will cycle beautifully with this care!