Pink quill - Wallisia cyanea (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Pink quill

The pink quill is an easy-to-care-for houseplant in the bromeliad family. This tropical air plant can be grown on bark or in a pot. The beautiful pink bloom is large compared to the small size of the plant. The pink bloom is not technically a flower but is long-lasting. As the flower fades, small pups will grow on the sides of the mother plant and the bloom will die.

Scientific classification

Species

Pink quill (Wallisia cyanea)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Fall

Bloom Time

Spring, Fall

Harvest Time

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Pink, Purple, White, Blue, Red

Flower Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Pink quill

Distribution of Pink quill

Distribution Map

Pink quill is originally native to the western parts of South America. It thrives in its endemic region, characterized by diverse climatic conditions. Beyond its native ecosystem, pink quill has been widely cultivated and can now be found in various temperate and tropical regions across the globe, reflecting its adaptability to different environments.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rainforests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

The titular pink "feather" at the plant's center is not technically the flower. It is an inflorescence from which small blue or purple flowers will sprout for short durations. Pink quill can grow just as well as an air plant as in ordinary soil. In the wild, it is often found growing from crooks or branches of trees.

Name Story

Pink quill: A quick look at the pink quill will make plain the reason for its name. It grows a large inflorescence at the center that strongly resembles a pink quill or feather. Sprouting from an "inkwell" of surrounding leaves, it would look at quite home on a 19th-century writer's desk.

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Care Guide for Pink quill

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from rainforests, pink quill thrives in high humidity with consistent moisture. It tolerates brief dry spells but prefers weekly watering. As an epiphyte often grown indoors, pink quill benefits from misting to mimic tropical conditions, enhancing its vibrant flowering.

Fertilize: To support pink quill's blooming, use phosphorus-rich fertilizers quarterly in spring to late summer, then biannually in fall and winter. Apply one teaspoon per gallon, ensuring plants are watered beforehand to prevent shock. Proper dilution is crucial to avoid root burn and enhance overall plant health.

Pruning: Pink quill features vibrant pink bracts and a compact rosette form. For best care, prune in early spring or late winter, removing dead foliage and spent flower spikes to promote growth and air circulation. Use clean tools to prevent infections and consult horticultural guides for best practices.

Propagation: Pink quill propagation is best performed in spring or autumn through division. Ensure healthy new growth and roots for success, although beginners may find this process moderately difficult.

Repotting: Repot pink quill every 2-3 years in spring using shallow, wide pots that are 1-2 inches larger in diameter. After repotting, minimize water and avoid direct sunlight until new growth appears. Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

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Images of Pink quill

Distribution of Pink quill

Culture

Care Guide for Pink quill

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