Pink Quill
(Wallisia cyanea)
Pink Quill (Wallisia cyanea)
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© Ariel Gallego
CC BY 4.0
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© Ariel Gallego
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Ariel Gallego | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: biotariel | Publisher: iNaturalist |

























Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Turlock, California
This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
• Precipitation | 41" - 49" | 12" | Your precipitation may be insufficient for this plant. Irrigate N" / year. | Irrigate N" / year |
• High Temp. | 65°F - 85°F | 94°F | Your summers may be too hot for this plant. | Too hot |
• Low Temp. | 44°F - 64°F | 36°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.
Summary
Wallisia cyanea, commonly known as Pink Quill, is an epiphytic perennial herb native to the cloud forests of Ecuador, where it thrives in high humidity and dappled light conditions. This plant typically grows to 20 inches in height and width, featuring thin, recurved leaves and distinctive paddle-shaped spikes of bright pink bracts from which violet flowers emerge. The flowering season for Pink Quill is mainly in the spring, but it can bloom sporadically throughout the year, and its flowers are quite showy, attracting attention in any setting.
Pink Quill has gained popularity as a houseplant and has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental value and adaptability to indoor conditions. It is well-suited for cultivation in temperate regions and is often grown in containers or mounted on pieces of wood or bark to mimic its natural epiphytic growing conditions. In cultivation, it requires bright, indirect light, high humidity, and should be watered sparingly to prevent root rot. Wallisia cyanea is relatively easy to maintain, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners. The cultivars Wallisia ’Anita’ and Wallisia ’Sandy’ are notable for their variation in bract and flower color. Potential problems include scale insects and mealybugs, which can be managed with careful monitoring and treatment. It is important to note that while Pink Quill is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues, overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pink Quill has gained popularity as a houseplant and has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental value and adaptability to indoor conditions. It is well-suited for cultivation in temperate regions and is often grown in containers or mounted on pieces of wood or bark to mimic its natural epiphytic growing conditions. In cultivation, it requires bright, indirect light, high humidity, and should be watered sparingly to prevent root rot. Wallisia cyanea is relatively easy to maintain, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners. The cultivars Wallisia ’Anita’ and Wallisia ’Sandy’ are notable for their variation in bract and flower color. Potential problems include scale insects and mealybugs, which can be managed with careful monitoring and treatment. It is important to note that while Pink Quill is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues, overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Cloud forests of Ecuador
Other Names
Common Names: Blue Flowered Torch, Pink Quill
Scientific Names: Wallisia cyanea, Phytarrhiza lindenii var. genuina ×.Morren, Phytarrhiza lindenii ×.Morren, Tillandsia cyanea, Tillandsia lindeniana subsp. vera, Tillandsia lindenii, Tillandsia lindenii var. genuina ×.Morren, Tillandsia lindenii var. rosea, Tillandsia lindenii var. rutilans
GBIF Accepted Name: Wallisia cyanea