Overview

Cryptanthus acaulis var. ruber 'New Coster's Favorite' (v) is a matforming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Cryptanthus, part of the Bromeliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cryptanthus acaulis var. ruber 'New Coster's Favorite' (v) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants, sub-tropical, low maintenance and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Cryptanthus acaulis var. ruber 'New Coster's Favorite' is a matforming cultivar of the Cryptanthus genus, known for its evergreen, strap-like leaves arranged in a rosette. As a member of the Bromeliaceae family, it thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam or sandy soil with an acidic pH. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, or as a houseplant, it prefers full sun to partial shade with sheltered exposure, typically facing east, south, or west. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H1b and produces small, greenish-white flowers in summer, often with a pleasant fragrance.

About the genus

Cryptanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae. The genus name is from the Greek cryptos (hidden) and anthos (flower). The genus formerly had two recognized subgenera: the type subgenus and subgenus Hoplocryptanthus Mez which has been raised to the separate genus Hoplocryptanthus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cryptanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cryptanthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cryptanthus

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1b

Plant details

Cryptanthus acaulis var. ruber 'New Coster's Favorite' (v) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants

Habit

Matforming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Sub-tropical, Low Maintenance, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cryptanthus acaulis var. ruber 'New Coster's Favorite' (v)

Propagation

Removing offsets in early summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to root rot

Frequently asked questions