Photo of Cryptanthus zonatus foliage by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Cryptanthus zonatus

Also Known As

  • Earth Star
  • Guinea Wing
  • Zebra Plant

Plant type

bromeliad

size

  • H: 6"-10"
  • W: 10"-16"

planting zones

  • 10a-11

More Options

Cryptanthus zonatus plant details

Cryptanthus zonatus is an evergreen bromeliad with green, variegated and white foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cryptanthus zonatus

Plant type: bromeliad
Plant family: bromeliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 10 IN - 16 IN - wide, 6 IN - 10 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: houseplant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cryptanthus zonatus

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: bright shade - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A rosette of mid-green leaves with irregular white cross bands. Occasionally produces a succession of white star like blooms from the center of the plant. Use this larger growing Cryptanthus in mixed container gardens for a striking color and texture contrast. Cryptanthus are one of the easiest terrestrial bromeliads to grow. Provide with a well-drained soil, average moisture, and high humidity. High light levels, but not direct sun, will produce the most intense foliage colors, colored forms may pale or even turn green under low light levels.

Gardening facts about Cryptanthus zonatus plant

How to Grow Cryptanthus zonatus

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Cryptanthus for your garden

aka Cryptanthus 'Black Earth Stars', Earth Star, Starfish Plant

Plant Type

Perennial, Bromeliad

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 9"-12"

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Cryptanthus 'Black Mystic' by Cactus Jungle
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aka Cascade Earth Star

Plant Type

Bromeliad

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 3"

Width: 12"-18"

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Cryptanthus 'Cascade' form by Almost Eden
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aka Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Pink Starlight', Cryptanthus x 'Pink Starlite', Earth Star, Pink Starlite Earth Star, Starfish Plant

Plant Type

Perennial, Bromeliad

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 6"-12"

  • mostly sun - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Pink Starlite' flower by Little Prince of Oregon
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aka Cryptanthus 'Elaine', Cryptanthus zebrinus 'Pink Zebra', Pink Zebra Earth Star

Plant Type

Bromeliad

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 10"-14"

  • bright shade - mostly shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Cryptanthus fosterianus 'Elaine' foliage, form by Little Prince of Oregon
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aka Ruby Earth Star

Plant Type

Bromeliad

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 2"-4"

Width: 5"-7"

  • bright shade - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Ruby' foliage by Karl Gercens III
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+13 more Cryptanthus
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