How to Grow and Care for Earth Star Bromeliad (Cryptanthus Bromeliad) Indoors
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Earth Star Bromeliads (Cryptanthus Bromeliads) blossom in bright light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Cryptanthus Bromeliads are stemless, low-growing, moisture-loving Bromeliad plants varieties whose small, wavy-edged, colorful leaves make spectacular plants in any space.
Earth Star Bromeliads are a unique group of Bromeliads in that they only grow terrestrially in soil. Unlike other Bromeliads, Earth Stars root systems are more developed and they prefer free-draining moisture holding soils.
On account of their requirement for humid air and spectacular foliage, Earth Stars are some of the best plants for a closed terrarium where a high humidity can be maintained.
Botanical name: Cryptanthus
Family: Bromeliaceae
Sufamily: Bromelioideae
Common name: Earth Star Bromeliads
Origin
Cryptanthus Bromeliads are endemic to Brazil's rain forests where they are found growing on the forest floors.
Flower
Earth Star Bromeliad flowers are small tubular white flowers and are often hidden in the center of the rosette of the leaves.
It may take upto 3 years to flower and flowers only once. Once the flowers fade, the rosette of leaves begins to die and is replaced by offsets (pups) at the base which grow into new plants.
Varieties
Earth Star Bromeliad Varieties: There is a wide range of Earth Star Bromeliads (Cryptanthus) to choose from; plain, striped and banded in green, red, brown and yellow.
The leaf sizes in Earth Stars range from 4 inches in Cryptanthus bivittatus to 15 inches in Cryptanthus fosterianus. The brightest and also the most difficult to grow of the Earth Stars is Cryptanthus bromelioides tricolor.
Toxicity
Earth Star Bromeliads are non-toxic to humans and pets according to ASPCA. The plants are safe to grow indoors.
However, their leaves bear short spines which may cause physical injury if handled with bare hands. Always wear gloves when handling Earth Star Bromeliad to prevent injury.
Related: 15 Indoor Plants that are Safe for Cats and Dogs
Where to Buy
Cryptanthus Bromeliads are a beautiful addition to your collection. You may acquire these plants online from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Cryptanthus Bromeliads Care Indoors
Earth Star Bromeliads (Cryptanthus Bromeliads) blossom in bright light away from direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-260C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, orchids potting soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Cryptanthus Bromeliad requires regular pruning to keep it neat and also allow adequate room for the new plants (pups) which grow at the base of the plant. It has no need for frequent repotting as it has a small root system. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Earth Star Bromeliads grow best in bright light away from direct sunlight to prevent sun scorching on the leaves.
Cryptanthus Bromeliads can also be grown under a grow light where natural light is not adequate. Check out this link to Amazon for full spectrum grow lights.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure the Cryptanthus Bromeliad receives light on all sides for even growth.
Watering
Unlike most Bromeliads, Earth Star Bromeliads have no central 'vase'. They are terrestrial bromeliads and have a more developed root system.
Earth Star Bromeliads grow successfully in free-draining moisture holding soil that is rich in organic matter.
Water the soil only when it dries to keep the roots moist. Avoid soggy soil as it can lead to rotting and eventual death of the Bromeliad.
Use only chlorine-free water to water Cryptanthus Bromeliads as they are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals that may be dissolved in water.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for growing Earth Star Bromeliad indoors is an average warmth of 18-260C. However, to bring the Bromeliad to flower requires temperatures above 260C.
Earth Star Bromeliads require a humidity of 60-70% to thrive. If the humidity is too low, the plant develops brown leaf tips and edges.
To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. You may also grow Cryptanthus Bromeliads in a terrarium as high humidity can be maintained inside a terrarium.
Ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant to prevent pest and disease infestations. Check out these techniques on how to increase humidity for houseplants.
Potting Medium
The best soil for Earth Star Bromeliad should be rich in organic matter, loose, free-draining bark soil to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Orchid potting mixes are ideal for these bromeliads.
Fertilizer
Feed Cryptanthus Bromeliad with a liquid fertilizer (foliar feed) every 2 weeks during the growing season for lush growth.
Do not feed the Earth Star Bromeliad during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and it may lead to fertilizer burn and eventual death of the Bromeliad.
Repotting
Repotting Earth Star Bromeliad is not necessary as its roots are tiny and are unlikely to fill the pot.
Pot the Cryptanthus Bromeliad in a shallow, heavy pot to prevent it from toppling over as it can get top-heavy. Take a look at these Ceramic Pots with Drainage Holes and Saucer on Amazon.
In addition provide support for the bromeliad to help keep it upright.
Pruning
Pruning Earth Star Bromeliad involves removal of dead leaves to keep the plant tidy and to allow adequate room for the new plants (pups) which grow at the base of the plant to grow.
Remove the dead foliage by cutting at the base with a sharp, clean knife or with a sharp, clean pair of pruning scissors.
Propagation
Earth Star Bromeliads (Cryptanthus Bromeliads) can be propagated from offsets (pups) appearing at the base of the plant.
How to propagate Earth Star Bromeliads from offsets (pups)
When the Earth Star Bromeliad offset (pup) is several months old or 1/3 to 1/2 the height of mother plant, separate it from the mother by cutting with a sharp, clean knife or scissors.
Ensure the offset has some roots attached to it and pant the offset shallowly in loose, free-draining bark soil.
Use a shallow heavy pot to prevent the bromeliad from toppling over as it can get top-heavy.
Ensure that it is well supported to prevent it from toppling over as its has a small root system.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit shaded place until the new Cryptanthus Bromeliad is well established after which you can begin routine care.
Related: How to Propagate Bromeliads from Pups | Bromeliad Propagation from Pups
Earth Star Bromeliad Common Problems
Earth Star Bromeliad (Cryptanthus Bromeliad) problems include brown leaf tips and edges, leaf spots, drooping leaves, plant dying, pests and diseases among others. Read on for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Dark, soft, drooping, long leaves
Inadequate light for Earth Star Bromeliads is the cause of dark, soft, drooping, long leaves as it grows best in bright light but away from direct sunlight.
Move the Cryptanthus Bromeliad to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light away from direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural light is inadequate.
Brown leaf tips
Earth Star Bromeliad brown leaf tips are caused by too dry air (low humidity as it grows best in a humid environment. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Earth Star Bromeliads can also be grown in a terrarium as high humidity can be maintained inside a terrarium.
Plant dying
Earth Star Bromeliad may be dying due to two possible reasons. If the Bromeliad has not flowered, the cause of death is root-rot disease due to soggy soil.
If the Earth Star has flowered then rotting and death of rosette which bore flower-stalk is natural to give room for the new plants (pups).
Remove the dead foliage by cutting at the base with a clean knife or a pair of scissors to create space for the new plants (pups).
Pale brown leaf patches
Earth Star Bromeliad pale brown leaf patches are due to exposure of to direct sunlight. The bromeliad does not like to be exposed to direct sunlight as it causes sunscorch. Protect it from direct sunlight or move it to a shadier spot.
Pests
Earth Star Bromeliad pests are scales and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with a horticultural oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
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