Welcome to The Bio Dude!
*The plant pictured is not necessarily the plant you will receive, but will be same size and shape. Plants are shipped in nursery pots and may vary slightly in pot size.*
Dude's Choice: Plant will either be red, pink, or striped, depending on availability. If you desire a particular color, please ask and we can try to accomadate.
Common Name: Earth Star, Cryptanthus, Dwarf Rose-Stripe Star, Earth Star Bromeliad, Bromeliad Earth Star, Pink Starlite, Red Earth Star, Pink Earth Star, Green Earth Star, Star Bromeliad, Star Plant, Vary-Leaf Star Plant
Scientific Name: Cryptanthus sp., usually bitvitattus
Relatives of the bromeliads, these colorful little sturdy plants resemble a star bursting with color when viewed from above! Though naturally found in tropical climates, they can also be drought tolerant for brief periods and survive in arid conditions with occasional watering.
-Care Recommendations By The Dude-
Best for These Animals:
Almost all reptiles and amphibians, as well as most arachnids and invertebrates.
Bio Dude Substrates:
The Bio Dude's Terra Flora (for tropical or rainforest setups)
The Bio Dude's Terra Fauna (for slightly drier but still humid forest environments)
The Bio Dude's Terra Firma (for temperate terrestrial environments with only occasional humidity spikes)
The Bio Dude's Terra Sahara (for arid and desert environments with low humidity)
The Bio Dude's Terra Aranea (for setups that specialize in invertebrates)
Soil Depth:
Shallow to moderate with proper drainage. Can also be mounted when in high humidity environments.
Lighting:
Most light levels suitable (or full-spectrum LED/UVB terrarium lighting).
Higher light will promote brighter coloration.
Avoid placing directly under intense heat lamps — leaves can scorch easily.
Humidity & Misting:
Prefers moderate to high humidity (40% – 100%), but can take lower under certain circumstances, and with periodic deep watering.
Also likes to be watered in its center, as well as its roots.
Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.
Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium:
Ideal range: 70–80°F (21.1–26.7°C), but can take between 60 and 85 degrees.
Avoid prolonged exposure below 60°F (15°C).
Edible & Side Effects if Ingested:
Non-toxic if consumed.
However, these are typically used for ornamental, not edible, purposes, and reptiles and amphibians do not typically eat them.
Pot Size & Packaging: A single 3" potted cryptanthus plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.