Cryptanthus Bromeliad, Earth Star 'Ruby'

Cryptanthusbivittatus

Family
Bromeliaceae (bro-mee-lee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Cryptanthus (krip-TAN-thus)
Species
bivittatus (biv-it-TAY-tus)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon
Where to Grow
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
This plant is monocarpic
Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Bartow, Florida

Lecanto, Florida

Vero Beach, Florida

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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D
Dearborn Heights, MI (Zone 6a) | March 2016 | neutral

Seed Parent: bivittatus v. atropurpureus

M
M
| October 2008 | positive

A friend gave me a mature one, actually looks discolored and what i thought upon seeing is that its hopeless. But since its a bromeliad i...Read More

N
Carrollton, TX | September 2008 | positive

I found this unusual plant for sale at Wal-Mart, and I remember being drawn to it because my husband said its leaves looked just like bac...Read More

C
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 9b) | February 2006 | positive

I didn't know these were supposed to die! I have had mine for years and it has pupped MANY times :) So far the plants all seem very healt...Read More

M
Bartow, FL (Zone 9a) | August 2004 | positive

Bright light brings out the deep ruby color of this little gem.

It is common for mother plants to keep producing pups for ...Read More

K
K
Freeport, TX | November 2003 | positive

OUR PLANT BLOOMED THIS SUMMER (NOT A SPECTACULAR BLOOM,BUT AT LEAST IT DID) THEN SET 2 PUPS, WHICH WE POTTED SEPARATELY. WE THOUGHT WE'D ...Read More

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