CRYPTANTHUS (EARTH STAR PLANT)
Cryptanthus are part of the Bromeliad family. They come in a huge range of eye catching colours and patterns.
Although they may look like a succulent they are not a plant that likes to dry out completely. Water when they top few cm's of soil is dry but never allow them to sit in water.
LIGHT
Cryptanthus prefer bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as this will burn the leaves. Too little light and the bright colours will fade.
FERTILISING
You can feed your Cryptanthus once a month during the spring and summer months.
SOIL
Your Cryptanthus will grow best in a well draining soil mix. Visit our soil bar to add lots of orchid bark and perlite to a standard houseplant soil.
TEMPERATURE
Normal household temperatures will be fine as long as your Cryptanthus is away from cold drafts and not exposed to sudden temperature changes.
HUMIDITY
Your Cryptanthus will enjoy a humidity boost. You can achieve this by placing the plant in a naturally more humid room such as a kitchen or bathroom, grouping plants together, using a pebble tray or investing in a humidifier. We don’t recommend misting.
TOXICITY
Cryptanthus are considered non toxic to humans and animals.
General Watering Tips
Place your plant, still in its plastic nursery pot, inside the decorative pot you've chosen. This setup allows the plant to enjoy the drainage and airflow provided by the nursery pot's holes, which are beneficial for root health.
When it’s time to water, you have two options:
1. Top Watering: Take the plant, nursery pot and all, out of the decorative pot and water it over a sink. Allow the water to drain completely before placing it back in the decorative pot to prevent water build up.
2. Bottom Watering: Place the nursery pot in a shallow dish of water and let the plant absorb moisture from the bottom. This method encourages the roots to grow downward and reduces the risk of overwatering.
Both methods help keep your plant healthy by promoting good drainage and root aeration.