About
Cryptanthus zonatus is a perennial that develops a rosette of long, narrow, dark green leaves, which feature distinctive cross-banding in silvery-grey hues and hints of copper. During the summer, it produces small white flowers in loose clusters. This plant is well-suited for use in 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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
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. 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