What Is Cryptanthus Bivittatus?

Plant Family

• The Cryptanthus bivittatus plant comes from the Bromeliaceae plant family. This family includes many species found in the subtropics and other regions such as West Africa. The plant now grows throughout most of the world. Some of the Earth Star's relatives include the pineapple and Spanish moss. Bromeliads plants, such as the Earth Star, have been around for thousands of years.

Appearance

• The Cryptanthus bivittatus really stands out because of its exotic attributes. This tropical beauty has leaves resembling a starfish, but with a dropping, layered effect. The foliage fans outwards in many layers and the ends have pointed tips. The leaves at the bottom fan out the farthest, and each additional layer on top is slightly shorter. This plant's thick stripes come in many color combinations, such as light and dark pink, purple and pink, pink and gray, yellow and orange, green and yellow, green and white, brown and white and peach and green. The plant usually has two main solid-colored stripes rather than one solid-colored leaf. The stripes extend vertically from the center, but some plants have jagged horizontal stripes. Some Earth Star plants don't have stripes, but showcase a blended combination of colors such as green, yellow and hints of peach. Earth Stars can also form a rosette shape in the center. The plant also produces tiny, white flowers.

Size

• Earth Star's come in many sizes, but most stay small. This plant works well in combination with other tropical bloom types that grow low to the ground. Earth Stars spread out, so they can take up patches of ground and make very decorative groundcover. The plants usually don't grow more than 6 to 8 inches tall. They resemble clusters of starfish gracing a garden floor. You can also place the plants in a pot and the leaves droop over the pot in time. The plant becomes very wide and the foliage can extend far past 10 inches on the bottom and other layers.

Care

• The Cryptanthus bivittatus only requires minimal care. The plant has adapted to dry conditions, so its leaves absorb water. It thrives in desert regions of the United States because of its robust ability to grow with little water. Overwatering may kill the plant. Water the plant every one to two weeks with 3 or more inches of water, depending on the plant's width. The plant also thrives in the sun, so place it near a good window and make sure it has good potting mix or soil. Add 3 or more inches of compost or good fertilizer to both indoor and outdoor Earth Stars.