Cryptanthus

Hello all :-)

I'm new to Bromeliads. I mainly collect cacti and succulents. But I've been looking for one of these since I saw a pic posted on the C&S forum. I finally came across some at Home Depot. I believe this is Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Ruby'?

I could use some cultivation tips. Though they seem to be succulent plants, from what I've read I assume they appreciate a considerable amount of water. Should this plant therefore be potted in a tropical mix and be watered regularly? How much light does it need? I've read that some Broms actually benefit from water applied such that it collects in the center of the rosette. Is that true of this plant?

Thanks,

Dave

DAVE- I HAVE SOME OF THE RUBY ONES ALSO. YES, THEY NEED REGULAR WATERINGS AND BRIGHT, FILTERED LIGHT. IF THEY DO NOT GET ENOUGH LIGHT THE COLOR WILL FADE TO GREEN, BUT DIRECT SUNLIGHT WILL SCALD THE LEAVES. ALSO, THEY DON'T DO WELL IN COLD WEATHER ( BELOW ABOUT 45-50 DEG F ) I HAVE MINE IN REGULAR POTTING SOIL AND THEY SEEM TO BE DOING FINE. AS FAR AS WATERING IN THE CENTER OF THE PLANT, IT DOESN'T ACTUALLY FORM A " TANK " LIKE SOME BROMELIADS DUE TO ITS PROSTRATE NATURE. THEY'LL GET A SMALL FLOWER RIGHT IN THE CENTER OF THE ROSETTE, AND THEN PUP AND FINALLY DIE. I HAD ONE THAT GAVE US ABOUT A DOZEN NEW PLANTS BEFORE GIVING UP THE GHOST.

Good advice from Karlae
More information here www.bsi.org and www.fcbs.org
If you look through the Photo Index on fcbs you will see some of the thousands of Cryptanthus hybrids. Although many of them look similar, there are a lot of diverse plants too.

Thanks guys. Hopefully they will do well for me. They are beautiful plants.

Dave

Ah Dave!!! Found my way over here as well...like a moth to light...these colors are amazing, aren't they?

Hi Chantell,

You should see it now. I'll have to take another picture. I bought another and potted them together. They've been in shade under my patio, which must be just enough light because now they're all burgundy. No green anymore.

Dave

Here is what your plant will do. (C. "ruby")..the main body will waste away and all these little pups will be ready to pop off and replant...this gets alot of water and very bright sun...will post another pic after this one of a particularly nice hybrid doing the same thing...sue

Here is the hybrid "Anne Collings" further along in giving out offsets...she is a frosty, burgundy color..you can see the difference in coloration from the new babies (more plum color) to the old leaves that will die. this is a larger crypt, than the ruby..which maintains a nice petite size! I love "earthstars" too! lol...sue

OOH, I like that one! Are the offsets easy to root?

Very Easy in my climate, Dave!! As you know we are in super humidity here...i don't know how easy it would be in Tucson, but if you can grow ruby (and i know how experienced you are, being a regular visitor to your cyber garden) you can grow Annie!! I just pop their little stems in a growing medium..i use regular potting soil a tad of osmocote with a little orchid bark mixed in for good aeration..and they gr ow...d-mail me and i will reserve one for you...i think they are getting ready to "twist" off..i only have what you see.(about 4 or 5)...it is a difficult cultivar to find... she is a pretty girl tho! lol...sue