There are over 1,200 types of bromeliads within theCryptanthusgenus, with a great variety of foliage.
The plants bloom only once, however, before the plant produces offsets (pups) and then dies.
If you live in the right zone, plant bromeliads outdoors in spring or summer.
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Light
DifferentCryptanthusvarieties need different levels of light.
Direct sunlight could potentially bleach the bromeliads foliage, or make it appear leathery.
Soil
Avoid regular potting soil for terrestrially-grown bromeliads.
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Commercialpotting soilbased on peat moss works well forCryptanthusbromeliads, as it has the necessary acidity.
There are also potting mixes designed expressly for bromeliads.
Water
Cryptanthusthrive in tropical conditions, and you should make efforts to keep them moist.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
verify, however, not to rest them in standing water.
A moderately damp environment is moisture enough for these plants.
But bromeliads are surprisingly tolerant of short periods of drought.
If the plant is watered excessively at low temperatures, rot may occur.
The standing water, however, can attract pests.
Feed them every three weeks.
There is no reason to repot a bromeliad, as it will die after blooming.
The original pot can be used to grow one of the offshoot pups after the mother plant is removed.
Propagating Cryptanthus Bromeliads
Repotting the plant’s pups is the only means of propagating this plant.
Take note, as well, to keep the pups moist in their infancy.
Bromeliads are not affected by many diseases.
Turning Brown
There are several reasons why a bromeliad’s leaves turn brown.
It could be the mother plant has run its course and is dying.
If the pups around the mother plant look good, then that is likely the case.
Now, the plant will have more energy to produce pups.
Papery Leaves
Hot, dry conditions can cause the leaves to twist and become papery.
Drooping Plant
The plant will droop and fade if it doesn’t get enough light.
Wilting leaves may also be a sign of root rot.
Unpleasant Odor
If your plant smells bad, it may have a case of crown rot.
The unpleasant odor will be coming from the plant’s cup.
Inspect the cup because the crown of the cup may look soggy or brownish.
It may be too late to save the plant, but see if there are salvageable pups to propagate.
The life cycle of these plants is about three years from pup to flowering plant.
