The plant makes a great indoor plant or terrarium subject. Give it a nice bright window in your home. If grown indoors, the plant will benefit from occasional misting to keep the humidity level correct. The plant type is an epiphyte, similar to air plants, but Cryptanthus Bivittatus needs to grow in soil.
During the summer, water frequently. In the winter, water sparingly. Don’t pour water into the rosette. Always water the soil, as water can get trapped in the leaves and cause mildew or fungal growth.
Indirect light throughout the day is the best option. When grown indoors, place it in any window, except a large southern-facing window where it may get too much direct bright sunlight. Cryptanthus needs lots of sunlight, but not direct sunlight. The bright UV rays can scorch the leaves and kill it.
Apply diluted liquid fertilizer during the spring. In the summer and fall, avoid adding any additional fertilizer.
Porous moist soil with good drainage should be used. To create the perfect soil conditions, combine regular potting soil with an equal amount of leaf mold or peat moss. A little extra sand can also help create better drainage while keeping the soil moist.
The pink star plant won't survive freezing winter temperatures. It's native to humid conditions. When grown indoors, normal room temperature is fine. Outdoors, it should receive 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit weather.
Young plants can be safely potted in 4 inch containers. A young bromeliad can benefit from a repotting if they are outgrowing their container. This is best done in the spring. Most full sized bromeliads will not require a planter pot larger than 6 inches.
