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Cryptanthus Elaine 9cm H15cm

Cryptanthus Elaine 9cm H15cm

£11.00 GBP
£11.00 GBP
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Pot Size

Meet 'Elaine'—the wavy, wild child of the bromeliad family. With her low-growing rosette of leathery leaves featuring zigzag bands of pink, silver, and deep brown, she looks like a piece of tropical coral. She’s a terrestrial treasure that brings a bold, architectural "pop" to any bright shelf!

  • The Formal Name: Cryptanthus 'Elaine' (a cultivar of C. bivittatus)
  • The Nickname: Earth Star
  • Roots: A member of the bromeliad family native to the dry forests of Brazil.
  • Natural Vibe: Growing directly in the forest floor soil rather than up in the trees.

Care Guide

  • Care Guide:
  • Sunlight: Bright, indirect light is key to maintaining those neon pink bands. Too little light and she’ll fade to green!
  • Best Room: A bright kitchen or a sun-filled terrarium.
  • Snacks: A diluted bromeliad or air-plant fertiliser once a month during summer.
  • Tropical Feels: Appreciates humidity (50%+) but is more drought-tolerant than most tropicals.
  • Cosy Factor: Prefers warmth (18–27°C) and should never be left in the cold.
  • Thirst: Unlike other bromeliads, she likes her soil kept lightly moist. Don't pour water into her "cup"!
  • Safety First: Non-toxic – safe for pets and small children.
  • The Bedding: A well-draining mix of peat-free compost and sand or perlite.
  • Family Tree: She produces "pups" (offsets) around her base that can be easily tucked into new pots.
  • Space Needs: A petite star, reaching only 15–20 cm in diameter.
  • Speed: Slow and steady, focusing on color and texture.
  • Uninvited Guests: Mostly pest-resistant, but watch for the occasional mealybug.
  • Moving Day: Rarely needed; she has a small root system and loves a snug fit.
  • Haircut: No pruning needed; she maintains her star shape naturally.
  • Fresh Air: A small but mighty oxygen producer for your desk or shelf.
  • Plant Lore: Cryptanthus gets its name from the Greek words for "hidden flower," as its blooms are often tucked deep in the foliage!
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