| Learn About Bromeliad PlantsCryptanthus Bromeliad Plant
Earth Stars Are Not Just Found in the Sky
The Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant’s leaves are low and the rosettes spread close to the ground. Each rosette has anywhere from 6 leaves to 20 leaves and the plant resembles a star, which is how it got it’s name, the Earth Stars. It is also known as the Starfish Plant. The plant is small and grows in the ground (terrestrial), which makes the Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant compatible with indoor growing. Among the traits that are appealing about the Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant is that it grows in a variety of conditions. As with many Bromeliad plants, the Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant leaves and flowers come in a wide range of colors, designs, sizes, and shapes. There is one to match most room decors.
THE CRYPTANTHUS BROMELIAD PLANT
The leaves are usually strongly banded or frosted on the Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant. The colors include grey, white, or bronze and some of the Bromeliad plants will have a reddish or even pinkish background color. The Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant will bloom in between the leaves and from the center of the plant. The Bromeliad blooms are small and spread around the plant like stars are spread around the sky. The blooms can be pink, white, or even a shade of green. There are over 50 terrestrial species of the Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant. The serrated leaves usually are between three inches and six inches in length. There are some that have grown leaves that are as long as 12 inches.
CARE OF THE CRYPTANTHUS BROMELIAD PLANT
Though the Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant grows best in temperatures between 60 degrees and 85 degrees, it can tolerate temperatures just above freezing to temperatures over 100 degrees. This Bromeliad plant should be protected from direct scorching sunlight, though. Humidity should be maintained for this plant. Minimal drying out between watering is recommended. Air should be able to circulate around the plant to keep it happy. When fertilizing the Cryptanthus Bromeliad plant, avoid fertilizer with copper or boron because they are toxic to Bromeliad plants. Diluted water-soluble fertilizer that is applied in addition to a slow release fertilizer in the soil works well to keep the plant healthy. This Bromeliad doesn’t do well mounted because it is a terrestrial and needs soil (preferably a soil that retains moisture). Larger pots are best because the root system will be the size of the plant. Potting mix that is porous and loose, which also is high in peat moss works well. Cryptanthus Bromeliad will grow well in African violet plant medium, as well.
CRYPTANTHUS BROMELIAD PLANT PROPAGATION
As is typical of Bromeliad plants, the Cryptanthus Bromeliad will bloom only once in its lifetime. It will then begin to produce “pups” around the original plant. When the pups are about one forth the size of the main plant, they can be removed from the “mother”. They don’t need roots and should be planted no deeper than the base of the first plant. The mother plant will slowly decline and eventually die.
A Cryptanthus Bromeliad is a great addition to a Bromeliad plant collection or as the only Bromeliad in the house.
Bromeliad Plant Types
Other Bromeliad Plant Types.