Cryptanthus arelii 'It' (Earth Star Bromeliad)

A striking terrestrial bromeliad featuring a flat, star-shaped rosette with wavy, cream-to-pink variegated leaf margins and olive-green centers. Unlike epiphytic air plants, this low-maintenance "Earth Star" thrives planted directly in potting soil. Its variegated tones intensify into brilliant, glowing shades of vivid pink under bright indirect sunlight or artificial grow lights. Compact and slow-growing, it makes a eye-catching addition to terrariums, tropical dish gardens, or well-lit windowsills.

Ease of Care: Easy

Light: Bright, indirect light (brighter light yields richer pink colors)

Watering: Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings

Growth Habit: Compact terrestrial rosette (approx. 8–12" wide)

Wait for Pups: After the mature plant produces tiny, subtle blooms in its central rosette, it will naturally produce miniature offsets around its base.
Harvest: Allow the pups to reach about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the parent plant. Gently twist or slice them off at the base using a sterile knife.
Pot: Plant the pup directly into a shallow pot filled with a well-draining, loose potting mix (such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, or coconut coir). Because their root systems are shallow, you may need to stake the pup or gently firm the soil around it until roots anchor.
Establish: Keep the soil slightly damp and place the plant in warm, bright, indirect light.
New roots usually anchor within 3 to 6 weeks.

Available in SQ 60 (08.0 cm Pots), H3 (08.8 cm Pots).