Tillandsia ionantha 'Ionathas' (Air Plant)

Tillandsia ionantha 'Ionathas' is one of the most cheerful and collectible of the air plants, a compact rosette of narrow silver-green leaves that puts on a vivid show at bloom time. As the plant prepares to flower, the inner leaves flush a brilliant crimson or hot pink before sending up a tubular violet bloom. The whole display lasts several weeks, after which the plant produces offsets, called pups, so your collection grows on its own.

Being a true epiphyte, it needs no soil and virtually no maintenance beyond a good soak two or three times a week or a daily misting in dry conditions. After watering, tip it upside down briefly and let it dry in bright indirect light within four hours. It does best with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.

Display it tucked into a piece of driftwood, nestled in a glass terrarium, set on a decorative stone, or wired into a living wreath.