About
Cryptanthus bivittatus is a stemless bromeliad that develops a broad, low rosette reaching approximately 30 cm in diameter. Its leaves are strap-like, featuring toothed edges and wavy margins, adorned with pale green or pink stripes. This species is well-suited for terrariums and bottle gardens.
About the genus
Cryptanthus are perennial plants that maintain their foliage year-round, characterized by their rosette shape. They feature leathery leaves with wavy edges and a strap-like appearance, frequently displaying attractive variegation. During the summer, these plants produce small, greenish-white flowers that are generally not prominent but may emit a pleasant fragrance.
Growing conditions
- 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
- H1A
Plant details
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- E. Brazil
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow indoors as a houseplant or under glass in a terrestrial bromeliad compost. Position in bright, filtered light and maintain moderate to high humidity. When in growth water moderately but carefully and apply a dilute liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See Bromeliad cultivation for further information. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe at 27°C, or remove offsets in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to root rot