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Cryptanthus bivittatus (Earth star)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.1m
Max height
Max height
0.25m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Cryptanthus bivittatus
Other names
Earth star, Tillandsia bivittata, Billbergia bivittata, Acanthospora vittata, Red star bromeliad
Genus
Cryptanthus Cryptanthus
Species
C. bivittatus - C. bivittatus is a tender, terrestrial, evergreen perennial with spreading rosettes of strap-shaped, wavy, toothed, white- or pink-striped, dark green leaves and corymbs of white flowers in summer.
Cryptanthus bivittatus is: Evergreen
Habit
Rosette
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
White, Striped, Pink, Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Mealybugs , Scale insects Mealybugs , Scale insects
General care
Propagation
Separate offsets in early summer. Sow seed at 27C (81F) as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Offsets, Seed
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Where to grow
Cryptanthus bivittatus (Earth star) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 0.25m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Under glass, terrestrial bromeliad compost in bright, filtered light & moderate to high humidity. In growth, water moderately, mist regularly with tepid, soft water, and feed monthly. Outdoors in frost-free areas, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, acid soil in dappled or partial shade.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Cryptanthus bivittatus
Other names
Earth star, Tillandsia bivittata, Billbergia bivittata, Acanthospora vittata, Red star bromeliad
Genus
Cryptanthus Cryptanthus
Species
C. bivittatus - C. bivittatus is a tender, terrestrial, evergreen perennial with spreading rosettes of strap-shaped, wavy, toothed, white- or pink-striped, dark green leaves and corymbs of white flowers in summer.
Native to
Brazil
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Rosette
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Colour
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
White, Striped, Pink, Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Propagation
Separate offsets in early summer. Sow seed at 27C (81F) as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Offsets, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Cryptanthus bivittatus (Earth star) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 0.25m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Under glass, terrestrial bromeliad compost in bright, filtered light & moderate to high humidity. In growth, water moderately, mist regularly with tepid, soft water, and feed monthly. Outdoors in frost-free areas, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, acid soil in dappled or partial shade.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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