Earth star (cryptanthus) Cryptanthus bivittatus
Earth star (cryptanthus) (Cryptanthus bivittatus) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Bromeliaceae family, native to Eastern Brazil. It grows 5–15 cm (2–6 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Earth star (cryptanthus) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Earth star (cryptanthus) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 cm (2–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Earth star (cryptanthus) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Earth star (cryptanthus)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Earth star (cryptanthus)
- How far apart should I plant Earth star (cryptanthus)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Earth star (cryptanthus) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Earth star (cryptanthus) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Earth star (cryptanthus)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Earth star (cryptanthus) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Earth star (cryptanthus) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs.
- What grows well with Earth star (cryptanthus)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Earth star (cryptanthus). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- A flat, star-shaped rosette of wavy, finely toothed leaves striped in pink, cream and bronze, growing on the ground rather than on trees. Small white flowers hide in the centre. Good in terrariums.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Pineapple Ananas comosus
- Urn plant (silver vase bromeliad) Aechmea fasciata
- Scarlet star bromeliad Guzmania lingulata
- Imperial bromeliad Alcantarea imperialis
- Chilean puya Puya chilensis
- Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides
- Air plant (blushing tillandsia) Tillandsia ionantha
- Blushing bromeliad Neoregelia carolinae