Cryptanthus

Family. Bromeliaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. The genus "Cryptanthus" contains about 20 species of herbaceous, evergreen, perennial plants, which in nature often lead an epiphytic lifestyle. The leaves have a rich range of shades - from standard green to pink, black, crimson, silver, purple, brown with contrasting longitudinal or transverse stripes. Leathery, belt-like leaf blades often have wavy edges and form rosettes, their length varies depending on the variety from 8 cm to 30 cm, some species have thorns along the edge. Sometimes the rosettes live until flowering, and then die off, leaving offspring. The flowers are quite attractive, white, cream or greenish, appear in the center of the rosette, but are often hidden by the leaves.

Height. The height of indoor plants is variable and can be 10 - 50 cm; they grow slowly, adding only 2 - 3 leaves every year.   

Growing temperature

Cryptanthus love warmth and can be kept at room temperature all year round. In winter, the air temperature should not fall below 15 ° C. 

Content of indoor

Cryptanthus do not like sudden changes in temperature conditions and are afraid of cold drafts. When changing locations, try to acclimatize the plant gradually so that it does not become stressed.

Lighting

They prefer a brightly lit place, near a sunny window. With a lack of lighting, the plant stretches out and becomes weak, but in the presence of direct sunlight on spring-summer days, the color of the leaves fades and the plant may even get sunburned. In autumn, when the sun is often hidden by clouds, artificial illumination is possible.

Watering

Water very sparingly, drying the soil almost completely each time. In winter, the soil should dry out to 2/3 of its depth. In spring, the frequency of watering is gradually increased as soon as the first signs of growth appear. It is advisable to use softened water for irrigation.

Soil

Well-drained soil, such as a mixture of peat, vermiculite, perlite, coarse sand and leaf humus.  

When does bloom? 

Flowering time is  summer. 

Feeding

From April to September they are fed with fertilizers, it is advisable to use ones that are designed specifically for bromeliads. Fertilizers are diluted to half the recommended dose and applied monthly. Too strong a solution can damage the delicate root system of the plant. For fertilizing, you can also use a solution for hydroponics; they are good with organic fertilizing.

Reproduction

After flowering, daughter rosettes are often formed, which can be separated and grown as independent plants. Seeds are sown in spring.

Purpose

Like most members of the Bromeliad family, they require high humidity, and are quite difficult to grow in normal indoor conditions; it is better to use a special greenhouse. Some species are suitable for growing on a block, like orchids.

Air humidity

Mist the leaves regularly, especially in hot weather. Provide the bush with an open space with constant good air movement to evaporate excess moisture from the leaves. To increase humidity, you can also use a special tray with a grid, pour water on the bottom, or surround the pot with a layer of wet sphagnum moss.

Transplantation

Some specimens die after flowering and do not need to be replanted. Other species are replanted in the spring, but only if necessary - if the pot has become too small or the soil needs to be replaced.

Pests and diseases

The tips of the leaves turn brown when the air temperature is too high. Remember that the higher the temperature, the higher the humidity should be. Plants stretch out and look sick when there is not enough light. Cryptanthus rot when kept too cold and too much moisture.

Of the harmful insects, the main danger may be scale insects, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.