Earth Star Plant Plant Care

Earth Star Plant (Cryptanthus bivittatus) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Cryptanthus genus. Earth Star Plant is native to Brazil. Earth Star Plant is also known as Starfish Plant, Red Lipped Earth Star, Living Jewel.

Earth Star Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Earth Star Plant produces small, tubular flowers in various colors like pink, red, orange, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Earth Star Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Earth Star Plant thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Earth Star Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cryptanthus bivittatus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Earth Star Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or coconut coir. Good drainage is essential for Earth Star Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Earth Star Plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or coconut coir. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Earth Star Plant is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Earth Star Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Earth Star Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Earth Star Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Earth Star Plant can be propagated through offsets (pups) division, leaf cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Earth Star Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Earth Star Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Earth Star Plant is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Earth Star Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.