The bromeliad ‘Cotton Candy’ is a charming and popular variety known for its delicate, soft appearance and vibrant blooms. Here’s an overview:

Color
Foliage: The ‘Cotton Candy’ bromeliad features soft green leaves with a slight silver sheen, forming a neat rosette. The leaves often have a faint blush of pink or red, particularly when exposed to bright light.
Flowers: The plant produces a stunning flower spike that is typically bright pink, resembling a fluffy tuft of cotton candy, hence the name. The small flowers on the spike are usually violet or blue, creating a beautiful contrast.
Climate
Temperature: ‘Cotton Candy’ thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Humidity: High humidity, around 50-70%, is ideal, making it well-suited to tropical and subtropical environments.
Size
Mature Size: This bromeliad is medium-sized, typically reaching 10 to 15 inches (25-38 cm) in height and spread, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor settings.
Care
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch.
Watering: Water should be placed in the central cup formed by the rosette of leaves. Keep the cup filled with fresh water, and ensure the soil remains moist but well-drained.
Soil: A well-draining mix, such as one containing orchid bark, peat, and perlite, is ideal for ‘Cotton Candy.’
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season, but avoid placing fertilizer directly into the central cup.
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zones: ‘Cotton Candy’ is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown indoors or moved inside during the winter.
Landscaping
Use: The soft colors and delicate flower spike of ‘Cotton Candy’ make it a beautiful addition to gardens, containers, or as a houseplant. Its medium size and eye-catching blooms make it a perfect choice for adding a splash of color to tropical-themed landscapes.
Companion Plants: It pairs well with other bromeliads, orchids, and ferns, creating a lush, tropical look in any setting.
Additional Information
Propagation: ‘Cotton Candy’ produces pups after flowering, which can be separated and replanted to propagate new plants.
Flowering: Like other bromeliads, ‘Cotton Candy’ typically flowers once, with the main plant eventually dying back to allow new pups to grow.
The bromeliad ‘Cotton Candy’ is a delightful and easy-care plant, offering vibrant color and a soft, tropical charm to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Its striking pink flower spike and compact size make it a favorite among bromeliad enthusiasts.