Earth star guide
Cryptanthus bivittatus, also called cryptanthus, starfish plant, green earth star
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. It has no center cup to fill.
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky orchid bark mix
- Feeding
- Quarter-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, on the soil
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) tall, 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) wide
- Propagation
- Pot up the pups that grow at the base
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes earth star different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the bromeliad care guide.
What it is
Earth star is a small, flat bromeliad. Its wavy, pointed leaves spread out in a low star shape, striped in pink, red, green, and cream. Unlike most bromeliads, it grows in soil, not on trees. It stays low and flat. Select-A-Plant lists its colors as silver, green, pink, red, and white.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Earth star | Low, flat, striped, wavy edges | Flat star shape on the soil |
| Guzmania | Tall rosette with a center cup | Upright with a cup and spike |
| Blushing air plant | Small, silver, no soil | Grows without soil |
Care differences
Earth star has no center cup. Water the soil, not the center. Keep it a little moist.
It loves humidity and does well in a terrarium. Bright indirect light brings out the pink.
Grow it from pups
It makes small pups between its leaves. They pop off with a light touch. Set them on moist soil to root.
Pet safety
The ASPCA lists earth star as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Buying it
Earth star is common at garden centers, often in small pots or terrarium kits. Look for bright stripes.