Cryptanthus ‘Strawberries Flambé’ – Low-Growing Colorburst with Zero Fuss


If you're after a plant that puts on a show without needing the spotlight, Cryptanthus ‘Strawberries Flambé’ delivers. This compact terrestrial bromeliad grows in a star-shaped rosette with stiff, toothed leaves that shift color depending on light intensity — from muted greens to vivid reds, coral, and berry pinks. Every plant develops its own pattern, making each one a visual original.
Unlike epiphytic bromeliads, this hybrid grows directly in soil and stays low to the ground. It's ideal for terrariums, desktops, or grouped with other small tropicals. No climbing, no trailing — just bold foliage that speaks for itself.


Cryptanthus ‘Strawberries Flambé’ — Key Traits

Size: Stays under 20 cm in both height and width
Leaf form: Thick, slightly curled leaves with fine serrations
Color variation: Ranges from green and bronze to red, coral, and pink, depending on light
Growth style: Grounded, compact rosette; no vining or staking needed
Safe for pets: Non-toxic to cats and dogs



Botanical Profile and Hybrid Background
Cryptanthus ‘Strawberries Flambé’ is a registered cultivar (Bromeliad Cultivar Registry No. 2207) bred by Jim Irvin from a cross between 'Diverse Pink' and 'Cascade'. The genus Cryptanthus is part of the Bromeliaceae family and native to the tropical forest floors of Brazil. This hybrid doesn’t exist in the wild and was developed for ornamental use indoors.


How to Keep Cryptanthus ‘Strawberries Flambé’ Thriving

Light: Bright, indirect light brings out the richest colors; avoid full midday sun
Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist — never soggy. Water the soil, not the center rosette
Humidity: Likes stable humidity around 60–70%; ideal for terrariums
Temperature: Best between 18–28 °C; protect from temperatures below 15 °C
Soil: Use a well-draining tropical mix with coco coir, bark, compost, and sand
Fertilizing: Feed monthly with a half-strength liquid fertilizer for foliage plants
Repotting: Use shallow pots with drainage; repot when offsets crowd the container
Propagation: Detach and plant pups once they reach about one-third of the mother’s size



Troubleshooting Common Problems

Faded color: Often a sign of low light — move to a brighter spot (not full sun)
Brown tips: Caused by dry air or mineral buildup — increase humidity and flush soil
Mushy center: Usually from overwatering into the crown — water only the soil
Pests: Mealybugs or scale can appear in tight leaf bases — treat with neem oil



Lifecycle and Growth Habit
Each rosette lives for several years and produces a small central flower before slowly declining. Before that, it forms offsets (pups) at its base, which can be left for a fuller display or separated to grow new plants. The compact form stays neat without pruning or support.


Where the Name Comes From
‘Strawberries Flambé’ refers to the cultivar’s intense berry-red hues and fiery visual presence — reminiscent of a flambéed dessert. While the name is creative, the plant’s showy color shifts are 100% real.


Frequently Asked Questions
Does every plant have the same colors? Not exactly — each plant’s colors change based on lighting and maturity.
Can it live in a terrarium? Yes, it thrives in enclosed environments with higher humidity and indirect light.
What happens after flowering? The central rosette will decline, but pups around the base take over the growth cycle.


Ready to Add Some Tropical Drama?
Bring home Cryptanthus ‘Strawberries Flambé’ — compact, colorful, and practically maintenance-free. Ideal for terrariums, shelves, or anywhere that needs a little tropical attitude.