Young plant in a plastic pot, suitable for indoor pots, terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums.

Cryptanthus ‘Elaine’ is a well-known terrestrial Earth Star hybrid recognized for its dramatic zebra-like banding and vivid pink margins. The elongated leaves display a dark maroon to deep brown base overlaid with contrasting silvery transverse markings, bordered by bright pink edges that intensify under strong indirect light. The serrated leaf margins and bold striping give the rosette a striking, high-contrast appearance. Color intensity and contrast vary depending on light levels, humidity, and plant maturity. This cultivar forms an expanding rosette and produces offsets over time, often developing into impressive clustered displays.

More Information

• Main image is a young plant, similar to the plant you will receive.
• The last image shows a mature, well-grown specimen for reference only.
• All plants are shipped in a plastic pot with mixed growing medium.

Natural Variation Transport

Cryptanthus naturally vary in banding intensity, color saturation, and form. Contrast between dark base tones and pink margins depends on light, humidity, nutrition, and maturity. No two plants are identical. Minor cosmetic stress (leaf marks, slight color fading, or edge deformation) may occur during transport and is normal.

General Care

Provide bright indirect light and a well-draining substrate. Cryptanthus are terrestrial bromeliads and do not form a water-holding central cup. Keep the growing medium lightly moist but never waterlogged, allowing partial drying between waterings. Stable humidity and good air circulation help maintain strong coloration and structured growth.

Cryptanthus grow slowly and produce offsets around the base over time. Each rosette flowers once, typically producing small pale blooms, then gradually declines while leaving pups to continue growth. Suitable for terrariums, vivariums, and tropical plant displays.

Biosecurity Animal Safety

Plants are disinfected and maintained in low-risk conditions and kept free from animals. However, these plants were previously grown outdoors. For sensitive enclosures or animal habitats, we recommend additional sanitation before introduction.

Find more terrarium plants along with terrarium enclosures and equipments such as lights, misters, humidifiers, hygrometers, substrates, tools and materials available in our store. For other terrarium services, contact us for more details.