Ruby Earth Star Questions + what is this plant?

I purchased this pretty ruby earth star (cryptanthus) a few weeks ago, and was sad to read that the plant dies after it blooms. Since mine is already blooming, I'm wondering if that means it'll die soon. I did read it sends out offshoots between its leaves before it dies, but it still seems a shame.

I've have been trying to research how to care for it, and have run into a lot of conflicting info!

(1) (a) Give it lots of direct light (b) Keep away from bright light, give it filtered light or partial shade

(2) (a) Pull off the offshoots as soon as you can grab them between the leaves (b) Don't remove the offshoots until they are appx half the size of the mother plant.

(3) (a) plant the offshoots right away (b) put the offshoots in a paper towel (?) for several days before planting

Can anyone help? Thanks!

(plant ID question below)


This message was edited Aug 31, 2008 2:10 PM

This message was edited Aug 31, 2008 2:12 PM

another picture of ruby earthstar

A few days ago while checking the soil of the ruby earthstar, I discovered a green plant had hitched a ride. There were 3 shoots, and they were entangled with the earthstar's roots. I was able to pull 2 shoots out, but the third one was destroyed while removing. I stuck them in a small pot, hoping someone could ID it.

I bought the earthstar at an outdoor farmer's market (Union Square for any NYC readers). The seller had about 6 tables of cactus and succulents, so I don't think it came from her stock. It's not from my plants, either. I'm guessing it's a weed of some kind? Anything I should keep?

Thanks!

Very pretty!! I'm not sure what the little green plants are,but they look like they could be succulents.They need to grow more to be sure.This should get you started with your earth star.
http://home.att.net/~Bromeliads/Cryptanthus.htm
Lynn

I can share my experience with them, though it may not be what the books say to do. Up til now, I grew the pink earth stars and thought they were very easy to keep going. The ruby one I purchased a year ago has been alittle more difficult. First, it's true that they die after flowering, but it's a very slow process, so you will have the plant for quite a while yet. They need bright light, but direct sun washes them out quite a bit. Be careful not to overwater, but letting it dry too much will cause leaf tips you curl and turn brown. I remove the babies when they are about the size of a nickle, but I will tell you that I have yet to get one to root. The pink stars rooted very easily. I planted them immediately, but maybe I should have set them out to dry first. However, I didn't with the pink one, so I thought I'd do what had worked before. They look like they are rooted (they stay firm and colorful), but if you tug on them they come right up with no roots even after a couple of months. I am going to watch this thread to see if anyone comes through with some info. that might help me with my earth star. They're unusual and beautiful, and best of all, I already have one.

Thanks, LYNN - interesting site! I also followed a few links there, and learned that even though the plant dies when it blooms, the flower can last 6 months.

Mine must have been blooming for quite a while before I bought it (see original picture posted), because the blossom grew a little, and then began to wilt, and turn brown.

The leaves are still pretty though, and there are 4 pups (offshoots) growing, with 2 more coming in, all between the corners of the 1st and 2nd tier of leaves.

GROWGIRL59 - Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Most bromeliad sites I've visited differ about growing the earthstar babies. Some say it's easy, most say it's very difficult!

The dying blossom on my plant was in the way of the new growth, and since a few sites suggest removing it, I did. It more or less popped off.

I'd be inclined to let the pups grow bigger before trying to plant them, but I'm not sure the current pot size will support it. Apparently the earthstar roots grow wide instead of deep, and there's no room for expansion in the current pot, so it seems unlikely it'd support 5-6 pups.

That is so odd about the lack of roots in your plant, but if it looks healthy it must be getting water somehow! What size pot and soil do you find is best for the babies? Thanks.

I put them in with other things, so there's not one size that I can refer to. I just checked some that have looked healthy since July 4th when I stuck them in and there isn't so much as a hair size root yet. I don't get it. You'd think it would be shriveled. Oh well, as the saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". If you ever come across a pink earth star you might give it a try. It makes no sense, since it's the same plant, but they root easily and in the right light, they get so brilliantly colored they look fake. The other thing I like about the earth stars is that you rarely see them in anyone's collection...at least not around here.
Chris