Cryptanthus ‘Red Star’

Cryptanthus ‘Red Star’, also known as “Earth Star,” is a tropical plant from the Bromeliaceae family, valued for its spectacular leaves arranged in a flat, compact rosette. The leaves are long, narrow, slightly wavy, and have serrated edges, with colors ranging from intense red to more subtle shades of pink and green. Due to its small size and vibrant appearance, it is perfect for decorating offices, shelves, or terrariums.

Care

1. Light

• Prefers strong indirect light, which helps maintain the intense colors of the leaves.

• Tolerance to medium light makes it suitable for dimmer indoor spaces, but the colors may become more muted.

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun, which can cause leaf burns.

2. Temperature

• It grows best at temperatures between 18-26°C.

• The plant does not tolerate cold; keep the temperature above 15°C.

• Make sure it is protected from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.

3. Humidity

• Prefers a moderate to high humidity level.

• If the air is too dry, periodically mist the leaves with water or place the plant on a tray with pebbles and water to increase humidity.

• It is suitable for terrariums, where the humidity level is naturally higher.

4. Watering

• Keep the soil slightly moist but well-drained.

• Water the plant when the top layer of soil is dry.

• Avoid stagnant water to prevent root and base rot. Use rainwater or chlorine-free water if possible.

5. Soil

• Use well-drained soil, such as a mix for Bromeliads or a cactus soil mix with perlite.

• Good drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation.

6. Fertilization

• Fertilize the plant once every 4-6 weeks during the active growth period (spring and summer) with a weak liquid fertilizer for Bromeliads.

• Reduce fertilization during the dormant period (autumn and winter).

7. Repotting

• Repot the plant only when it becomes too crowded or when the pups (offsets) are large enough to be separated.

• Use a small pot with good drainage and fresh soil.

8. Pruning and maintenance

• Remove dried or damaged leaves to maintain a neat appearance.

• The pups can be separated from the mother plant when they reach one third of its size and have their own roots.

Pot diameter 5 cm
Attention! The color of this plant varies depending on light level, fertilizer, substrate, etc.

In the cold season, the plant is sold as shown in presentation photo 1 - with green leaves.