About

A perennial that maintains its foliage year-round, this plant reaches a height of up to 20 cm. It develops open rosettes comprised of elongated, olive-green leaves. These leaves feature creamy-white edges and stripes, with subtle pink hues.

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
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1A

Plant details

Plant type
Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native to
Brazil

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow indoors as a houseplant or under glass in a terrestial bromeliad compost. Site in bright filtered light and maintain moderate to high humidity. When in growth water moderately but carefully and mist regularly with tepid soft water. Apply a dilute fertilser monthly but reduce water in winter
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