Cryptanthus Bivittatus ‘Absolute Zero’

With over 1,200 different varieties, Cryptanthus have incredibly varied and beautiful foliage ranging from dark green and variegated to bright reds and pinks to silvery stripes. This variety, ‘Absolute Zero”, boasts nearly-black leaves with repeating bands of silvery-white from the base to the tip of each leaf. It’s both a rare and unique variety! Provide this plant with a well-drained soil, average moisture, and high humidity for best growth. High light levels will help maintain the intense black color. Known for their foliage, they can also sometimes produce blooms. This variety may turn a pale or turn green if provided low light levels. 

Ed’s Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Cryptanthus Bivittatus 
• Common Name: Earth Star, Starfish plant, Cryptanthus Absolute Zero, Star Bromeliad, Cryptanthus bromeliads
• Family: Bromeliaceae 
• Native Range: Brazil 

Ed’s Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright indirect light indoors. Avoid direct sunlight. The brighter the light, the more colorful the leaves will be.
• Water: Water when the soil is almost dry. Do not allow to dry out completely for an extended period of time.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity. Perfect for terrariums.
• Temperature: 55-90F
• Pruning: Prune as needed to remove brown or dead leaves and control growth.
• Growth: Slow growth. Can grow to be 10″ – 14″ across and 4-6″ high.
• Propagation:  Plant will grow small plants, called pups, that form at the base of the plant and can be propagated. 
• Pests: Generally not subject to pests. Look out for whitefly, mealybugs, and spider mites.
• Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets