Cryptanthus bivittatus
earth star
A stemless bromeliad forming a low, spreading rosette about 30cm across. The rosettes are composed of strap-shaped, toothed, wavy-margined leaves, with pale green or pink stripes. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Pink | |||
| Autumn | Green Pink | |||
| Winter | Green Pink |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Cryptanthus are evergreen, rosette-forming perennials with leathery, wavy-edged, strap-shaped leaves, often attractively variegated, and inconspicuous, usually fragrant, greenish-white flowers in summer
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- E. Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors as a houseplant or under glass in a terrestrial bromeliad compost. Position in bright, filtered light and maintain moderate to high humidity. When in growth water moderately but carefully and apply a dilute liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See Bromeliad cultivation for further information. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe at 27°C, or remove offsets in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to root rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.