Species Name: Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Ruby’

Common name(s): Earth Stars

Defining Characteristics: 

• Striped tapered carmine leaves have tiny teeth with wavy margins
• Although they are a member of the Bromeliaceae family, Cryptanthus are terrestrial and grow in the soil using their roots to absorb water and nutrients rather than using a cup to store water like other bromeliads
• Recommended as a foreground plant as it will quickly form clusters of small, upright growths with pink leaves

Recommended Pot Size: Small

Josh’s Frogs offers a wide variety of glass terrariums, container garden soils, drainage layers, and other supplies for all of your indoor gardening needs.

Temperature requirement: 60 - 85°F

Humidity: Humid (70-100%) 

Watering frequency: During summer months water once a week moderately; In winter water once a month 

Lighting: Partial Shade 

Soil type: Well-draining potting soil or a prepared soil mixture such as Josh's Frogs Potting Soil mix offered here. 

Growth rate: Slow

Height: 6 inches tall; 15 inches wide

Origin:  South America; Brazil

Regional locality: Found growing on the rainforest floor in sunny clearings

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10-11

Suggested Vivarium/ Animal Terrarium Use:

Care Notes: After flowering, the mother plant will die back while also producing new pup plants 

Shipping Notes: 

As a good practice, Josh's Frogs recommends washing all plants thoroughly removing as much soil as possible with dechlorinated water before placing them in their final home. Live plants may vary in color, size, and appearance.

The plant pictured is in a 2.5" pot.