Home
Shop
Cryptanthus - Earth Star Plant

Cryptanthus - Earth Star Plant

5 Stars(185 Business Reviews)

Regular price£9.00

Add these products:

Complete Organic Plant Food – 50ml
Potting Mix
Winter Packing Protection - Heatpack

Grows well together...

Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura

Regular priceFrom £6.00

Useful Information

Plant Bio

Cryptanthus, often referred to as earth stars, are a fascinating genus of terrestrial bromeliads highly valued for their vibrant and intricate foliage patterns. These plants form flattened, star-shaped rosettes of stiff, often wavy-edged leaves, which come in an astonishing array of colours including shades of green, red, pink, bronze, and cream, frequently variegated or banded. Their unique textures and bold appearance make them popular choices for terrariums, dish gardens, or as small potted plants in UK homes. They are members of the Bromeliaceae family.

The genus name Cryptanthus comes from the Greek words kryptos (hidden) and anthos (flower), referring to the inconspicuous flowers that are often nestled within the leaf rosette.

Light: Cryptanthus generally thrive in bright, indirect light. Strong, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light may cause their vibrant colours to fade, resulting in a greener appearance. A spot near a bright window with filtered light in a UK home is ideal.

Water: Keep the potting mix consistently moist but not saturated. Allow the very top layer of the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Unlike many other bromeliads, Cryptanthus species typically do not form a central "cup" to hold water, so watering the soil directly is crucial. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root issues, which can be a common problem in the UK's climate.

Soil: A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential. A specialist bromeliad mix, or a blend of general potting compost with ample perlite or orchid bark, will provide the necessary drainage.

Fertilising: Cryptanthus are not heavy feeders. A very diluted liquid fertiliser, formulated for bromeliads or houseplants, can be applied monthly during the active growing season (spring and summer). Apply it to the soil. Reduce or stop fertilising during the autumn and winter months.

Temperature: These plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 27°C (65°F and 80°F). They are not frost-tolerant and must be protected from cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C (59°F), which can occur in UK homes during colder months.

Humidity: Cryptanthus appreciate moderate to high humidity levels. While they can adapt to average indoor humidity in the UK, using a humidifier or grouping them with other plants can be beneficial, especially during drier indoor periods with central heating.

Growth Habit: They typically exhibit a low-growing, star-shaped rosette growth habit, spreading outwards rather than upwards. They generally remain compact, making them suitable for smaller spaces.

Toxicity: Cryptanthus species are generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, it is always a good practice to prevent ingestion.

Delivery & Returns

General

Please be aware that your plant may vary from the picture as this is a living item. Variations of shape and colour are perfectly natural and to be expected. We will send you a plant as close to the picture and description as possible. The picture shown is an example of what's in stock unless stated otherwise.

Shipping & Delivery

We now ship fresh plants directly from our trusted growers in the Netherlands, typically arriving within 3-5 business days. Read more about our realtionship with the Netherlands here. Shipping costs vary depending on your location and chosen option, with details available at checkout. We carefully package your plants to ensure safe arrival, and our customer support team is here to help with any issues. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your delivery, and we currently ship to all UK addresses. Please review our return policy for plants, and note that some species may have shipping restrictions.

Returns

We guarantee our plants 14 day from receipt. We guarantee to send happy and healthy plants, however, it is your responsibility to care for them and we cannot be held responsible for neglect or mis care. Please send us a picture within 24 hours of receiving your plant and we'll help you out with your issue.

If returning your order, please keep all original packaging and use this to send the plant back to us. This will ensure the plant is kept as safe as possible on its return.

To allow the plant to acclimatise in its new home, there should be no repotting of the plant for a minimum of 14 days after receipt. If any plant has been repotted or a cutting has been taken then we are not able to accept returns.

We are happy to replace your plant if it is very badly damaged in transport. The loss of a leaf in transport on a healthy plant should not generally be cause for any concern. We cannot give a refund for snapped leaves.

FAQ'S

1. Where do you ship from?

We now ship directly from our trusted growers in The Netherlands.

2. How long does shipping take?

Shipping times may vary depending on your location within the UK. Typically, you can expect your plants to arrive within 3-5 business days of placing your order.

3. How much does shipping cost?

We offer [standard/various] shipping options with rates starting at £6.99. You can view the full details of our shipping costs at checkout.

4. Do you offer free shipping?

We may offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount or during special promotions. Please check our website or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

5. How are my plants packaged for shipping?

We take great care in packaging your plants to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. We use sturdy boxes, protective wrapping, and specialised plant packaging materials to minimise damage during transit.

6. What if my plant arrives damaged?

In the rare event that your plant arrives damaged, please contact our customer support team within 3 days of receiving your order. We will gladly assist you with a replacement or refund.

7. Can I track my order?

Yes, once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email that you can use to monitor the progress of your delivery.

8. Do you ship outside the UK?

We currently ship to all addresses within the UK. For international shipping inquiries, please contact our customer support team.

9. What is your return policy for plants?

Due to the perishable nature of plants, we have a limited return policy. Please refer to our return policy page for detailed information on returns and exchanges.

10. Are there any restrictions on shipping plants?

Some plant species may be subject to shipping restrictions due to local regulations or import/export laws. We comply with all applicable regulations and will notify you if any restrictions apply to your order.