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    RedCrocus Cryptanthus Earth Star Live Plant, Assorted Colors Bromeliad, Indoor Houseplant for Bright Indirect Light 4" Pot

    RedCrocus Cryptanthus Earth Star Live Plant, Assorted Colors Bromeliad, Indoor Houseplant for Bright Indirect Light 4" Pot

    $36.00 USD
    $46.80 USD $36.00 USD
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    berad17-redcrocus

    Pot Size

    Cryptanthus – Assorted (Earth Stars)

    Compact terrestrial bromeliads prized for bold, star-shaped foliage and easy indoor performance.

    Description

    Cryptanthus, commonly called Earth Stars, are terrestrial bromeliads native to Brazil. Unlike many bromeliads that grow as epiphytes, Cryptanthus prefer life in soil, forming low, starry rosettes with gently toothed edges. Their foliage is the main show: banded or marbled in greens, bronzes, silvers, reds, and pinks that intensify in brighter, filtered light.

    Compact and clump-forming, they’re ideal for dish gardens, window ledges, and terrariums. Mature rosettes produce small, short-lived white flowers in the center and then “pups” that carry the plant forward—making them rewarding, long-lived companions indoors or outdoors in frost‑free climates.

    Plant Details

    • Botanical name iconBotanical NameCryptanthus – Assorted (Bromeliaceae)
    • Common name iconCommon NameEarth Stars, Cryptanthus (various cultivars)
    • Size and growth iconSize & GrowthCompact rosettes 4–8 in (10–20 cm) tall and 6–14 in (15–35 cm) wide; clumps via pups over time.
    • Hardiness zones iconHardiness ZonesUSDA 10–12 outdoors; grow as a houseplant elsewhere. Protect below 50°F (10°C).
    • Foliage type iconFoliage TypeEvergreen, star-shaped rosettes; banded/variegated in green, bronze, red, pink, and silver; lightly toothed margins.
    • Bloom time iconBloom TimeSmall white flowers once mature; typically late spring–summer; brief and not showy.
    • Growth rate iconGrowth RateSlow to moderate; faster in warmth, bright filtered light, and high humidity.
    • Light requirements iconLight RequirementsBright, indirect to filtered light. 2–4 hours of gentle morning sun enhances color; avoid harsh midday sun.
    • Attracts pollinators iconAttracts PollinatorsLow; tiny blooms may attract small pollinators outdoors, but plant is grown primarily for foliage.
    • Indoor friendly iconIndoor FriendlyExcellent houseplant; thrives in typical indoor temperatures with boosted humidity.
    • Container friendly iconContainer FriendlyIdeal for shallow, wide containers, dish gardens, and terrariums with drainage.
    • Deer resistant iconDeer ResistantGenerally deer-resistant in suitable climates due to tough, leathery leaves.
    • Pet warning iconPet WarningGenerally non-toxic to cats and dogs (bromeliads). Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset—discourage chewing.
    • Fragrant iconFragrantNot fragrant; grown for foliage color and patterning.
    • Cut flower iconCut FlowerNot suitable as a cut flower; best displayed as a living potted specimen.
    • Grows well with iconGrows Well WithGrows Well With Peperomia, Fittonia, Pilea, small ferns (e.g., Nephrolepis), Calathea/Goeppertia, mosses—plants that like bright, indirect light and humidity.

    Care Tips

    • Planting instructions iconPlanting InstructionsUse a shallow pot with drainage. Pot pups when they reach 1/3–1/2 the size of the mother. Firm gently and keep the collar (crown) above the soil. Space 6–8 in apart in dish gardens.
    • Soil moisture iconSoil MoistureKeep evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top 0.5–1 in (1–2.5 cm) becomes dry; reduce slightly in winter. Avoid prolonged dryness or waterlogged soil.
    • Soil type iconSoil TypeOpen, fast-draining, slightly acidic mix (pH 5.5–6.5): 2 parts peat or coco coir + 1 part perlite + 1 part orchid bark/coarse sand.
    • Humidity iconHumidityPrefers 50–70% RH. Mist lightly, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. Excellent candidate for closed or semi-closed terrariums.
    • Pruning instructions iconPruning InstructionsRemove dry outer leaves and spent blooms. After flowering, allow the mother to support pups; remove the mother rosette once it declines.
    • Winter care iconWinter CareKeep 60–85°F (16–29°C); minimum 55–60°F. Protect from drafts and heater vents. Reduce watering and fertilizer by about half, and provide the brightest safe light.
    • Planting depth iconPlanting DepthSet rosette so the crown sits just above the soil line; do not bury leaves to avoid rot. Roots are shallow—use a low, wide pot.
    • Fertilization iconFertilizationFeed sparingly spring–summer with a balanced, urea-free liquid at 1/4–1/2 strength monthly. Skip feeding in winter. Avoid fertilizer buildup and leaf contact.
    • Special care iconSpecial CareFor best color, provide bright filtered light and rotate monthly. Wipe leaves to remove dust. Use rain/distilled water if tap is hard to prevent spotting. Propagate by dividing pups.
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