earth star
Cryptanthus bivittatus
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds partial sun (4 to 6 hours)
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Insignificant, pink, white
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green, pink, red/burgundy, variegated, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
Garden uses
Notes
Earth star (Cryptanthus bivittatus) is a houseplant for containers, rock gardens, and shade gardens, and it is easy to care for. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes part sun and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It forms a slow, clumping mat of evergreen leaves in shades of green, silver, pink, and red. The plant tolerates drought once settled in.
Pairs well with Evergold sedge, Praying Hands hosta, and Cinnamon fern.
Native range
Brazil.