Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Red Star' #577

About Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’

Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’, commonly known as Red Star Earth Star, is a colorful tropical plant admired for its star-shaped rosette and striking red, pink, and bronze foliage. Its long, pointed leaves spread outward in a layered pattern, creating a low-growing form that resembles a star resting close to the ground. Depending on the growing conditions, the leaves can display rich reddish-pink tones with darker green or bronze markings, adding depth and texture to its colorful appearance.

Unlike many traditional houseplants, Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’ naturally grows in a compact, ground-hugging rosette rather than developing a tall stem. Its vibrant foliage makes it an attractive choice for terrariums, miniature tropical gardens, windowsills, and decorative indoor plant displays. As a member of the bromeliad family, this plant appreciates warmth, humidity, and bright, filtered light. With suitable growing conditions, it can bring a bold splash of tropical color to small spaces without requiring a large planter.

How to care for Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’

Sun/Location: Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’ grows best in bright, indirect light. Adequate filtered light helps maintain its vivid red and pink foliage, while insufficient light may cause the colors to become less pronounced. Place it near an east-facing window or in a bright room where it is protected from harsh afternoon sunlight. Strong direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially when the plant is not acclimated to it. This tropical plant also appreciates warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity, making it a suitable choice for bright indoor spaces and carefully managed terrariums with good ventilation.

Soil/Pot: Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’ prefers a loose, airy, well-draining growing medium that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A quality indoor potting mix amended with orchid bark, perlite, or other materials that improve aeration can provide suitable growing conditions. Choose a shallow pot with drainage holes that accommodates its compact root system. Because this plant grows close to the soil surface, a wide, shallow container can showcase its star-shaped rosette beautifully. Avoid heavy, compacted soil and containers without drainage, as prolonged waterlogging can damage the roots. If growing it in a terrarium, ensure the growing medium remains airy and avoid allowing excess water to accumulate at the bottom.

Watering: Unlike drought-tolerant succulents, Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’ prefers more consistent moisture. Water when the upper layer of the growing medium begins to dry, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain away. Do not let the plant sit in standing water for extended periods. During warm weather, it may need more frequent watering, while cooler conditions generally require less. Good airflow is especially important in humid environments to reduce the risk of fungal problems and root rot. If your indoor air is very dry, moderate humidity can help support healthy foliage, but avoid keeping the leaves constantly wet in poorly ventilated spaces.

Propagating: Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Red Star’ is commonly propagated through offsets, often called pups, that develop around the base of the mother plant. Once a pup has grown to a reasonable size and developed its own roots, carefully separate it using a clean knife if necessary. Plant the offset in a small container filled with a loose, well-draining growing medium. Keep it warm and provide bright, indirect light while its roots establish. Maintain moderate soil moisture without overwatering. The mother plant may gradually decline after flowering, as is common with many bromeliads, but it can produce offsets that continue the plant's growth cycle.

More Information

Primary color: Red, pink
Secondary color: Green, bronze, dark red
Bloom color: Small white flowers, typically emerging from the center of the rosette
Cold hardiness: Best suited to warm conditions; protect from temperatures below approximately 50°F and from frost
Product format: 2" pot
Suitability: Windowsill, terrarium, miniature tropical garden, office desk, indoor plant display
Propagation: Offsets (pups)
Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Special characteristics: Star-shaped rosette, vivid red foliage, compact growth habit, tropical bromeliad, humidity-loving, bright indirect light

We pack all shipments by hand. 

We have many years of experience shipping live succulents and cactus plants. We pay close attention to packing and have developed an expert shipping method. All succulents are packed and protected with polypropylene cotton (this is a stuffing used for dolls). We find this is the most effective material for protecting live plants while in transit. It is important to us that you are able to Keep going and Keep growing without any stress about the quality of the product or packaging.

Shipping Speed

In general, it takes 3 to 10 days for plants to arrive after you place your order. All orders will be shipped out 48 hours after you place them. We ship the orders on work days(from Monday to Saturday) and all year round. In normal conditions, it will take 3-10 days for you to receive the package. Estimated shipping times are offered as needed.

HOLIDAYS: During weeks in which a holiday occurs - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc. - shipping may be delayed until the following week.

EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE: The Next Gardener reserves the right to hold shipments during storms or periods of extreme heat or cold. This is to ensure your plant does not suffer while it is in transit.

Winter shipping

We insist on shipping succulents to our customers all year round. However due to the extreme winter weather, although we pack succulents with as much protective material as possible, plants are still at increased risk of frost on their way to colder areas. We highly recommend adding one 72-hour heat pack to your order or you can request a hold on the package until it warms up.

Please note that The Next Gardener is not responsible for packages that suffer cold damage without a heat pack. We cannot control the weather. Order at your own risk.

Hawaii, Alaska, and Other US Territories

Fortunately, shipping is available to Alaska, Guam, and other U.S. Territories. However, due to numerous factors beyond our control, including customs checks and shipping delays, free shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico is not an option. And we can not provide the 14-day quality guarantee for orders going to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The buyer will assume all risk of damage when a delivery is delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

Sorry. No International Shipping for now!!!