Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink' – A Vibrant Earth Star for Indoor Color

Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink' is a stunning cultivar of the Brazilian earth star, prized for its hot pink, banded foliage and symmetrical rosette shape. Compact, slow-growing, and ideal for terrariums or windowsills, this bromeliad brings vivid color and texture to any space. Its low profile and patterned leaves make it a favorite for plant collectors and beginners alike.

Standout Features of Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink'

Colorful Rosette – Star-shaped foliage in brilliant shades of pink with subtle striping
Compact Growth – Typically reaches just 10–15 cm tall, perfect for small spaces
Slow and Low – Grows laterally rather than vertically; stays tidy without pruning
Hidden Flowers – Small, white blooms appear briefly in the center, rarely noticed
Great for Terrariums – Loves humidity and warmth in enclosed environments

Natural Habitat of Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink'

This cultivar originates from Cryptanthus bivittatus, a terrestrial bromeliad species native to eastern Brazil, especially the forested regions of Bahia and Espírito Santo. In its native range, it grows on the forest floor in humid, warm, and filtered light conditions. Unlike tank bromeliads, it absorbs moisture and nutrients primarily through its roots and leaf surfaces — not through a central water reservoir.

Growth Habit and Indoor Size of Cryptanthus 'Super Pink'

Form: Flat-growing rosette, star-like symmetry
Height: Up to 15 cm
Spread: Around 20–25 cm
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans

How to Care for Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink'

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun may bleach or burn the pink pigments.
Water: Keep the soil lightly moist but not wet. Do not water into the center rosette; always water the soil base.
Humidity: Best in 60–70%. Use a pebble tray or humidifier if air is too dry.
Temperature: Ideal range is 18–28°C. Growth slows below 15°C.
Soil: Use a free-draining mix such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir — avoid heavy potting soil.
Feeding: Use a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly. Too much nitrogen may reduce coloration.

Typical Issues with Cryptanthus 'Super Pink' and How to Fix Them

Browning Tips: Usually from low humidity or direct sun. Increase humidity and reduce exposure.
Root Rot: Happens when soil stays wet — always use a breathable substrate and allow it to dry slightly between watering.
Mealybugs or Mites: Wipe leaves gently with insecticidal soap and isolate affected plants.
Faded Color: Caused by insufficient light or over-fertilizing. Move closer to bright light and reduce feeding strength.

Additional Tips for Healthy Growth

Terrarium Star: Perfect for closed or open terrariums with consistent warmth and humidity.
No Water Cups: Unlike some bromeliads, do not fill the rosette with water — this species absorbs through roots.
Light Boost: Can adapt well to grow lights if natural light is limited.

Etymology and Scientific Background

The genus name Cryptanthus comes from Greek: kryptos (hidden) and anthos (flower), referring to the inconspicuous blooms tucked inside the leaf rosette. The species name bivittatus means “two-striped,” describing the leaf banding. The cultivar name 'Super Pink' refers to its enhanced pink pigmentation — it is not formally registered, but widely used in horticultural trade.

Ready to Add Color with Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink'?

This compact bromeliad brings vibrant color and low-maintenance charm to any room. Order now and brighten your collection with a brilliant pink centerpiece that thrives on indirect light and care-free conditions!

Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink'

€6.50

VAT Included

Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink' comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot and is approximately 10 cm tall
Name: Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Super Pink' is a cultivar of Cryptanthus bivittatus (Hook.) Regel.

Type: Perennial, slow-growing bromeliad; known for its vibrant foliage.

Family: Bromeliaceae (Bromeliad family) – includes various species known for their unique leaf patterns and colors.

Native Range: Endemic to Brazil, primarily found in the Pernambuco region.

Habitat: Grows on forest floors in semi-arid regions; prefers low light and high humidity environments.

Height: Typically reaches 10-15 cm; compact growth.

Spread: Grows up to 20 cm wide; forms a rosette pattern.

Sun: Prefers bright, indirect light; tolerates low light but colors intensify with more light.

Zone: USDA hardiness zones 9-11; suitable for outdoor growth in warm climates or as an indoor plant elsewhere.

Growth Habit: Compact, rosette-forming bromeliad; slow-growing with dense foliage.

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Watering: Keep soil slightly moist; water directly into the rosette center, allowing it to dry between waterings.

Humidity: Thrives in high humidity; mist occasionally for foliar feeding if needed.

Temperature: Optimal range is 18-26°C; avoid temperatures below 10°C.

Soil: Well-draining, airy soil mix such as a blend of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss.

Water: Water sparingly but regularly; ensure no standing water remains in the rosette to prevent rot.

Maintenance: Low maintenance; remove dead leaves and offsets (pups) to encourage new growth.

Foliage: Bright pink leaves with green variegation; elongated, lance-shaped leaves forming a rosette.

Tolerance: Can tolerate short periods of drought; sensitive to cold and overwatering.

Fertilizing: Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Propagation: Propagate via offsets (pups) that develop around the base of the plant; separate when they are one-third the size of the mother plant.

Common Pests: Susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Flowering: Produces small, inconspicuous flowers at the center of the rosette; blooms once and then the mother plant dies back.

Growth Rate: Slow-growing; forms a compact rosette over several years.

Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans; safe for indoor environments.

Ideal Placement: Bright, indirect light with moderate to high humidity; avoid drafty areas.

Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; use a shallow pot with fresh, well-draining soil.

Special Care: Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain appearance; avoid overwatering as it can lead to root and crown rot.
Please Note:

✔ Curated Selection: We hand-pick only the most beautiful plants, ensuring you receive a high-quality specimen.

ℹ️ Representative Image: The plant photo is for reference only. Each plant is unique, so variations in leaf count, shape, and variegation are natural.

ℹ️ Size Information: Sizes are based on pot diameter and overall height (from the pot’s base to the tallest point).

ℹ️ Product Details: If a listing includes a specific plant ('Get What You See'), it will be clearly stated in the size section.

❌ No Individual Photos: We do not provide photos of individual plants unless explicitly mentioned in the size section.