A Cryptanthus bromeliad is an easy to grow, small and colorful plant to have in your home. They’re in the Bromeliad family but differ from other bromeliads in one way. This is good to know in regards to their care.
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There are many species and cultivars of Cryptanthus. The Pink and Red Earth Stars are the ones I’m most familiar with that are commonly sold in the houseplant trade.
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Cryptanthus Earth Stars like bright light but no direct, hot sun. Too much sun = bleaching out. Too little light = loss of color (the red or pink) that leads to one turning more green.
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This is where they differ from the epiphytic bromeliads. Because they’re terrestrial, they like the soil mix to be watered on a regular basis.
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The Cryptanthus bivtittatus grows in the ground and likes a rich mix that is loose and drains well. I use a mixture of even parts potting soil, pumice or perlite, and coco coir.
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The flowers will appear in the center of the plant. They are white and small, not as showy as a Guzmania or Pink Quill Plant. Here’s a big heads up: like other Bromeliads, the mother plant will eventually brown and die after flowering.