Cryptanthus | Earth star plant | Cryptanthus bivittatus Plant

Cryptanthus | Earth star plant | Cryptanthus bivittatus PlantA uniquely colored plant, Cryptanthus Zonatus is sure to add a dash of subtlety to your home and office with its gorgeously patterned leaves. With a tropical look, Cryptanthus is an easy-to-grow plant that is both rare and very unique. They look great with their tapering flat leaves arranged in rosettes. Your Cryptanthus requires a humid condition to grow speedily and thus, you can consider putting the plant in your kitchen and bathroom area as well but with bright indirect light.General Cryptanthus bloom with white flowers as well occasionally. But they are mostly grown for their striking variegated foliages. Your Crypthanthus Plant can reach up to 3 ft in height when planted indoorSunlight Your Cryptanthus requires bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will burn the tender leaves of your Cryptanthus, and thus, it must be avoided. They can also grow in fluorescent lights. However, excessive dim light will cause the plant to lose the striking pattern on its leaves. It can be placed in your living room with bright indirect light. The temperature should not go below 13 C or the plant growth may start to decline as well.Watering You must water your Cryptanthus Plant 1-2 times a week during the summers. Excessive watering can lead to root rot in your Cryptanthus and thus, it should be avoided. During the winters, you must reduce the watering to once or twice every 2 weeks. Your Cryptanthus appreciates high humidity and thus, you can mist the plant once daily if the weather is extremely hot. However, in the cold weather, you should mist the plant occasionally only.SoilYour Cryptanthus Earth Star Plant grows well in moisture-retaining soil. You can add Sphagnum moss to your regular potting mix for your plant.FertilizerYour plant does not require fertilizer to thrive but that will support its growth. You must add a slow-release fertilizer to the plant once or twice every three months during its growing season.However, during its dormant season, you must withhold the use of any fertilizers for the plant.However, your plant is intolerant to copper and boron minerals and hence, you must not use any fertilizer that has any trace of these micro-nutrients.ToxicityCryptanthus Zonatus is one of the few plants that are considered non-toxic for both humans and pets that makes them the best houseplants to have.Additional CareYou must punch away the dead flowers and leaves from your plant or it will decline your plant's health.Your Earth Star Plant is susceptible to many pests, including mealybugs and aphids. If you notice any visible signs of pests, you must spray your plant with a pesticide to preserve your plant from any damage.TroubleshootingCryptanthus Leaves turning Green: It is caused due to excessive dim light situations- Keep your plant in a spot where it receives bright indirect sunlight, but not direct sunlight. Cryptanthus turning yellow: It is an indication of prolonged excessive watering- Cut down your watering schedule and only water your plant 1-2 times a week.