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💰 Price per plant: ₹700

Cryptanthus 'Elaine' is a small terrestrial bromeliad, an "earth star" with softly wavy-edged leaves in gentle rosy-pink tones. Cryptanthus are the ground-dwelling members of the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae), the tropical group that also includes the pineapple. Unlike the cup-forming tropical bromeliads, earth stars have no central water reservoir; they take water and nutrients through the substrate. Compact, pretty and genuinely low-maintenance, 'Elaine' is one of the most refined terrarium bromeliads for soft colour right at ground level.

Origin and form

Cryptanthus are native to the shaded, humid forest floors of Brazil, and 'Elaine' is a delicate hybrid that keeps that low, star-shaped habit. Its gently wavy leaf edges and rosy tones give it a soft, refined look, and the colour warms in bright, indirect light.

Care at a glance

• Light: bright, indirect light brings out the rosy colouring; avoid harsh direct sun.
• Water: keep the substrate lightly moist, never waterlogged, and mist occasionally. Water the soil, not a cup.
• Humidity: high; it thrives in the still, moist air of closed terrariums.
• Temperature: comfortable in warm Indian indoor conditions, roughly 16 to 30°C.
• Difficulty: easy, a forgiving, low-maintenance bromeliad for beginners.

Styling and terrarium use

This is a natural foreground and carpet plant for closed terrariums, vivariums and the planted land zone of a paludarium, filling ground space that taller plants cannot. Its soft, wavy rosette contrasts beautifully with upright ferns, trailing vines and cushion moss. Grow it in the substrate above the waterline; it is a terrestrial plant, not an aquatic one, and must not be submerged. Like most bromeliads it is non-toxic and safe around cats and dogs.

Propagation

Mature plants produce small offsets, or "pups," around the base of the rosette. Once a pup has a few firm leaves and some roots, gently separate it and pot it into a moist, well-drained mix to grow your collection.

Ordering

Supplied as healthy, nursery-grown live plants and shipped across India, sold in sets of 10, perfect for terrarium projects, foreground carpets and resale. If you want to buy bromeliads online in India for closed terrariums, this rosy earth star adds a soft, refined touch.

Part of our Terrarium & Paludarium Plants range, shipped live across India.