In the family Bromeliaceae, the genus Cryptanthus contains more than 100 species of flowering plants that are indigenous to South America. They grow specifically on the forest floors of Brazil’s rain forests. This genus’s plants are distinctive in that they can only be grown on land.
Because of their form, plants in this genus are sometimes referred to as “Earth Stars.” They have compact, flat, star-shaped rosettes of strap-shaped to triangular leaves that are frequently variegated with white, red, or silvery stripes or bars. They have short creeping rhizomes. Each leaf has a tall, tapering tip and edges with finely toothed waves. From the middle of the leaf rosette, little white blooms appear in the summer.
The word “genus” is derived from the Greek words “krypto,” which means “to hide,” and “anthos,” which means “a flower,” in reference to how the sheathing leaves conceal the lower portion of the blossom.
If you want to see more details, click on the image or the name of the succulent plant.
A succulent is the Earth Star plant.
An indoor plant that grows in rosettes of leaves, the Pink Earth Star (Cryptanthus), is simple to grow. The leaves have wavy edges and teeth, and they are richly banded in pink and cream. They are succulent. In this shrub, the white blossoms appear to be nestled in the middle. Cryptanthus can withstand temperatures between 40 and over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Between 60 and 85 degrees F, growth is at its best. At all times, keep the medium evenly moist, but not wet or dry. The best place is in the sun. On the plant’s side, new plants (pups) grow and are readily removed to begin new Earth Stars.
How are you caring for Cryptanthus?
It’s okay for plants growing inside to be at room temperature. It should be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
Place it in any window when growing indoors, excluding a big southern window where it might get too much direct, harsh sunshine.
Lots of sunlight is necessary for Cryptanthus, but not direct sunlight. The UV radiation can harm leaves by scorching them.
Watering and Feeding
In the spring, apply diluted liquid fertilizer. Avoid putting any additional fertilizer in the summer and fall.
NOTICE: Avoid adding water to the rosette. Always water the soil since water that becomes trapped in the leaves may result in the growth of mildew or fungi.
Soil and Transplanting
Combine normal potting soil with an equal amount of peat moss or leaf mold to generate the ideal soil conditions.
Additionally, a little extra sand can aid in improving drainage while preserving soil moisture.
Cryptanthus doesn’t grow quickly and may only endure a few years, therefore transplanting is rarely necessary. The roots are also weak and frequently die after repotting.
Maintenance and Grooming
It’s not necessary to groom. The only action required is the removal of any fallen leaves or blossoms.
Popular varieties of Cryptanthus include:
- Bivittatus Cryptanthus
- Black Mystic Cryptanthus
How often should Cryptanthus be watered?
It depends on the size of the pot, the kind of soil it was planted in, the area where it is growing, and the climate in your home.
I’ll explain how I water mine to you. Every 7 to 10 days in the summer and every 10 to 20 days in the winter.
From puppies or infants is the simplest route. When they reach a certain size, you can take them away from the mother.
This results from a gradual decrease in light. It can happen in the winter when light levels are lower and doesn’t always happen right away. Placing it in stronger light—not the sun—should restore the color.
The Earth Stars are not, though. Be mindful that some cats enjoy chewing on those crunchy leaves.
My purchases have always come from regional growers and nurseries in CA and AZ. They are available for purchase online on Pistil Nursery, Jordan’s Jungle, Etsy, eBay, and Amazon.
Cryptanthus: a bromeliad or not?
Due to its low growth habit and rosette-shaped arrangement of the leaves, cryptanthusbromeliads, also known as earth stars, are stunning and extraordinarily diverse plants that are endemic to Brazil. The Cryptanthus genus has more than 1,200 different species of bromeliads with a wide range of leaf. They can be banded, spotted, solid, or almost any other design, and their hues range from dark green to bright pink to crimson.
While most bromeliads are planted for their distinctive foliage, Cryptanthus species also produce tiny but lovely white or pink blossoms. However, the plants only bloom once before producing offsets (pups) and ultimately dying. These plants have a three-year life cycle from pup to flowering plant.
What is the lifespan of a Cryptanthus?
In its natural environment in Brazil, terrestrial Cryptanthus Earth Stars grow as stemless rosettes of narrow leaves with crinkly, spiky edges on the forest floor.
This ground-hugging tropical is a delicate, evergreen perennial that enjoys warm temperatures much like us, making it simple to grow inside.
Young, little plants will flourish in a terrarium filled with humidity and soft light. While some kinds stay relatively tiny, spreading to a maximum of 6-in (15 cm), others develop to a maximum of 14-in (35 cm), and may eventually require removal and separate potting.
It’s understandable why Cryptanthus Earth Stars are becoming more and more well-liked. Colorful hybrids look good on its own or with other tropical houseplants that enjoy dampness.
You’ll enjoy them for a long time if you keep them content. More than other Bromeliads, Earth Stars can live up to ten years. You’ll also love that you can continue to collect the “pups” that sprout around the parent plant.
Cryptanthus – epiphytes or not?
Approximately 10 to 20 South American species make up the epiphyte genus Cryptanthus, which belongs to the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). Epiphytes are supported by other plants and have aerial roots that are exposed to humid air. Directly from the root, a rosette of stemless leaves with thorny edges develops. At the center of the rosette, the blooms, which are typically white, are arranged in a thick, stalkless bunch.
A few species are planted indoors for their eye-catching foliage, particularly C. acaulis and C. zonatus. The leaves of both species have wavy edges and are white or silvery below. About 15 centimeters (6 inches) in height and with several leaves, C. acaulis is a plant. The plant, C. zonatus, stands around 22 cm tall and has strap-shaped leaves that are greenish brown or coppery on top with bands of tan or brown.
Leaves:
The plants can have ten to twenty leaves, each having a wavy edge and a few small teeth or thorns. The plant has a lovely star-like shape due to the way the leaves taper to a point at the end.
Both ivory tones and varied red and pink hues may be seen in the stripes of the plants. The plant will eventually reach a height of 6 and a width of 15. It grows at a mediocrely slow pace.
Sunlight:
Put the Red Star Bromeliad in a little bit of shade. The leaves may wilt and wither with excessive heat and sunlight. It is good to get some early-morning and late-afternoon sun with shelter from midday sun.
Flowers:
The centers of the leafy rosettes sprout tiny white blooms. The plant’s blossoms are a bit of an afterthought. The leaves of this bromeliad are what people plant it for, not the flowers.
After flowering, many bromeliads will rebloom, however the earth star behaves differently. After flowering, the mother plant will begin to gently wither away while simultaneously producing pups.
A succulent, is a bromeliad?
The existence of succulents is one of the best-kept mysteries among fans of succulents.
bromeliads. I’ve looked at a couple of the books on this topic, and I at least get the feeling that
succulents. The fact that many writers give them very little attention, if any, suggests that
demonstrates a certain lack of allure. They don’t have as spectacular of blossoms as mesembryanthemums.
They lack elephantine caudexes and are incapable of having an extreme form.
contrast with the alien inhabitants of the African desert. They do, however, have an
their own inherent attraction. This attraction has been improved by hybridizers, and there are now a
There are several attractive hybrids on the market. They are often quite resilient, drought
tolerant plants that (when properly acclimated) can be placed indoors as good houseplants
summertime without worrying about sun damage. The sentences that follow will introduce a
them moved up into the trees in an effort to find light, leaving the dark forest floor, or
onto an area of open rock with no opposition. Assuming this epiphytic (or
they created a reservoir or “tank” in the middle of their saxicolous) way of existence.
their rosettes, where they kept water between downpours. They started to rely more on
To obtain water and nutrients, their leaves are more dependent than their roots. The
Some plants, like Spanish moss, ceased developing roots at a certain age to act as a holdfast on bark or stone.
all within typical conditions. Certainly, some bromeliads were content with their
flora on the woodland floor. The lovely earth stars (cryptanthus) grew well in the moist and
a heavily shaded setting. They had no need for a tank, so they didn’t create one. One
C. warasii, a member of the cryptanthus species, was compelled to acclimate to a more rough way of life.
life. In arid and sunny conditions that would have soon killed other organisms, C. warasii survived.
any of its relatives from the rain forest. As an adaptation, it grew thicker leaves (a tank).
It had a water reservoir and fangs to defend itself, making it pointless to have one.
It produces new offshoots in the leaf axils out of several leaves coiled around the primary axis.
quickly clumping together. When it is not in flower, people could mistake it for an agave or an aloe.
But instead of being raised on a tall scape, its blossoms are tucked away in the middle.
cryptanthus, a rosette-like plant, is. Similar to C. warasii, succulent bromeliads frequently
resemble a haworthia, agave, or aloe. The leaf surface is one area of distinction. The balances
(Trichomes), which result in the characteristic silver striping and frequently velvety surface
Succulent bromeliads are among the many bromeliads that can be found. Despite its, C. warasii
The appearance, while intimidating, is velvety to the touch. The edges of the leaves of C. warasii are
good-looking teeth (cf. the fine teeth of its rain forest relatives). Leafy parts of
require good-sized pots to grow successfully and to create a massive root system. Many
many of them can stand the sun. Despite being succulent, they need a lot of water.
during the time of harvest. Like other succulents, they do best when stored on shelves over the winter.
at colder temperatures, the dry side. Several plants can survive the winter without watering, although
Most require occasional hydration, particularly if they exhibit signs of dehydration. They
Although sparingly, like other succulents, fertilizer may be applied during the growing season. Their
Only succulent terrestrial bromeliad species that can grow are included in the list below.
similar environmental circumstances to cactus and other desert succulents, frequently growing alongside
Abromeitiella: No name given. The genus recently received new assignments for its four species.
Succulents from the 32 species of Earth Stars are an exception, according to Cryptanthus: C.
warasii, as already mentioned, and C. bahianus, which, while less scrumptious than warasii,
There are 14 species of Deuterocohnia. D. lorentziana and brevifolia (formerly Abromeitiella)
In the Andes of Argentina and Bolivia, tiny rosettes form enormous mats or cushions. Their
The scape will bloom again in subsequent years if it is left uncut (unique among bromeliads!).
Native to Brazil’s arid regions, it can also be found in southwest adjacent nations.
Wintertime lows in the 40s are common. producing a mat or clump with tiny yellow, orange, or
29 species of native Encholirium can be found in northeast Brazil’s arid regions. the same as Dyckia in
habit. green or yellow-green flowers. E. spectabile, 16″ in height, named for its inflorescence
found in Guatemala, Honduras, and the southern U.S. as well. branching inflorescence in a complex way
held on a long stem. Flowers come in white, pink, and yellow-green. The blossoming shoot endures.
immediately following flowering This results in a significant cluster along with prolific pupping:
Hechtia tillandsiodes (about 12″ diam. ), which resembles tillandsias and has velvety gray leaves
since (in certain species) the stem bearing the leaves becomes straight at maturity (ortho+phytum=straight plant),
Tall scapes do not grow on O. saxicola. It has mats of 4-6″ rosettes that cover the rock.
Is Earth Star a houseplant?
Earth stars are interesting indoor plants that are great for bringing a touch of texture and color to your rooms. They make fantastic living centerpieces for special parties and are small enough to flourish indoors on bright tabletops. Earth stars are also excellent additions to your desk at work because they are simple to grow. You can appreciate their beauty without having to do a lot of maintenance because they don’t require continual care.
Even without flowers, the majority of earth stars have strikingly colored vegetation. Grow your earth star in a contrasting container to amp up the color; a pink-variegated variety, for instance, becomes a showpiece in a lime-green pot.
Query about the Earth Star? Tell us what you want to know about these peculiar houseplants. Send us an email, and one of our professionals will respond.
Earth Star Growing Instructions
In a brilliant location, earth stars will grow. These tiny houseplants are ideal for adding color to a plain window sill because they can tolerate some direct sunlight on their leaves. Generally speaking, the plants are more colorful in brighter lighting. Moving your earthly stars to a brighter area should make them appear more intensely colored if they appear to be pale.
Water the soil until it barely begins to dry out before adding more water. However, they don’t seem to be overly picky and do well in damp soil. Similar to this, your earth stars don’t care if you occasionally forget to water them.
Due to their small size and unique texture, these odd houseplants make interesting additions to terrariums. They prefer ordinary to high humidity.
There isn’t much fertilizer needed for Earth stars. Use a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer and adhere to the instructions on the container if you do decide to feed them. At least once a year, particularly in the spring or summer when they are actively growing, try to feed them.