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Vary-leaf star Cryptanthus bivittatus

Previously known as:

  • Cryptanthus nitidus
Phonetic Spelling
krip-TAN-thus biv-it-TAY-tus
Description

Earth star is a tropical, terrestrial, evergreen herbaceous perennial in the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). It is native to Brazil but is now cultivated as a houseplant or conservatory plant throughout the world. In warmer climates, it can be grown outside in borders. The genus name means "hidden flower," and the species epithet means “twice striped.”

Unlike those bromeliads that are epiphytes (“air plants”) or form tanks, earth star is a conventionally terrestrial plant. It requires well-drained, humus-rich soil and is watered at the root zone. Having the correct lighting is crucial. Too much shade will cause the foliage to lose its brilliant color, while too much sun can cause the foliage to heat up, causing the leaves to bleach and shrivel. Morning and evening sun is best; the midday sun is too strong for these plants. Watering should be done when the soil is dry to the touch. When grown in hotter climates, regular watering is best.  

The earth star has a flat rosette of  showy, bright pink leaves that form a star pattern. Its small white flowers are formed in the middle of the rosettes of the leaves. They are insignificant, the plant is grown for its showy foliage. The foliage can be striped in ivory or silver tones and many shades of red and pink. Propagate this plant by dividing its offsets, commonly called pups. After flowering, a plant will begin to die but will live on by means of its pups. Pull the pups off the mother plant when they are about one-third the size of the adult. Pot them up in their own container.

In tropical locations, it can be left to flower, die off, and produce pups making it a beautiful ground cover. In the temperate zone, it must be grown as a houseplant or greenhouse subject, which can be placed outside in the summer. It is a top choice for terrariums

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  These plants are usually problem-free, but the usual greenhouse pests (mealybugs, scale, mites) can be an issue.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ruby'
    Deep ruby-red
  • 'Ruby Star'
    Pink tinged foliage
'Ruby', 'Ruby Star'
Tags:
#thorns#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#frost tender#showy leaves#interiorscape#pink leaves#year-round interest#terrarium#tropical herbaceous perennial#spines#spiny leaves#unusual leaves#groundcover#bromeliad#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#heat intolerant#heavy shade tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ruby'
    Deep ruby-red
  • 'Ruby Star'
    Pink tinged foliage
'Ruby', 'Ruby Star'
Tags:
#thorns#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#frost tender#showy leaves#interiorscape#pink leaves#year-round interest#terrarium#tropical herbaceous perennial#spines#spiny leaves#unusual leaves#groundcover#bromeliad#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#heat intolerant#heavy shade tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cryptanthus
    Species:
    bivittatus
    Family:
    Bromeliaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Houseplant or Terrarium
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Textural
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Open
    Prostrate
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
    Appendage:
    Spines
    Thorns
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Pink
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    It can take many years before flowers will appear. It will produce flowers only once. After flowering, the plant will slowly die while sending out side shoots.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Fronds
    Sheath
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The wavy, flat foliage comes in a variety of colors, each with striping. Plants can each have 10 to 20 leaves.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting