Cryptanthus bromelioides var. tricolor (v)

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rainbow star Dorling Kindersley 2003
Houseplants Conservatory Greenhouse

An evergreen perennial to 20cm in height, forming loose rosettes of lance-shaped olive-green leaves edged and striped with creamy-white and tinged with pink

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
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
Correct
Plant Range
Brazil

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors as a houseplant or under glass in a terrestial bromeliad compost. Site in bright filtered light and maintain moderate to high humidity. When in growth water moderately but carefully and mist regularly with tepid soft water. Apply a dilute fertilser monthly but reduce water in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown, as soon as ripe, at 27°C or remove offsets in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot