Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Also known as Green Earthstar · Starfish Bromeliad · Starfishplant
Cryptanthus acaulis is a terrestrial bromeliad known for its star-shaped, rosette leaves that come in various colors and patterns, often with a metallic sheen.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-draining, peat-based
50% intensity
Average
50% intensity
Thrives in average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from cold drafts.
Light
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves at the base of the plant. Pinch off any flower stalks once they have finished blooming to encourage more compact growth. This plant generally requires minimal pruning.
Propagate by offsets (pups) that form around the base of the mother plant. Gently separate the pups when they are a few inches tall and have their own roots. Pot them in a well-draining potting mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for bromeliads or cacti. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cryptanthus Acaulis (Cryptanthus acaulis)
Where Cryptanthus Acaulis (Cryptanthus acaulis) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus | Cryptanthus |
| Species | Cryptanthus acaulis |
Similar in genus Cryptanthus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data