Cryptanthus 'Strawberry Flambe'

Cryptanthus 'Strawberries Flambe' is a terrestrial bromeliad cultivar grown for its low, star-shaped rosette and strongly coloured foliage. Registered by Jim Irvin, it is a hybrid of Cryptanthus 'Diverse Pink' × 'Cascade', and it stays close to the pot rather than producing upright stems. The leaves are narrow, pointed and finely toothed along the edges, with hot pink to strawberry-red colouring mixed with green to chartreuse tones; stronger light usually brings out the richest colour.

Cryptanthus 'Strawberries Flambe' grows as a compact rosette that gradually forms offsets around the parent plant after flowering, so it often develops into a clustered group over time. As with other earth stars, it is best treated as a foliage plant for warm indoor conditions, using an open potting mix and avoiding water sitting in the centre for long periods. Its size and preference for steady humidity make it suitable for shallow pots, bowls, or enclosed displays, which makes it perfect for growing indoors.

Native to: This is a cultivated hybrid, so it does not have a wild native range of its own. The genus Cryptanthus is native to eastern Brazil in South America, and that Brazilian background is the best guide to its indoor care: warmth, filtered light, and moderate humidity rather than prolonged dryness.

Water: Keep the potting mix lightly moist during active growth, allowing the upper part of the mix to dry slightly before watering again. Do not keep it wet and do not leave water standing in the central rosette, as this can encourage rot. In a cooler UK winter, reduce watering so the compost becomes a little drier between applications, but do not let the rootball stay bone dry for long periods.

Light: Give bright filtered light or bright indirect light. This cultivar colours best with good light, but strong direct midday sun can scorch or bleach the leaves, especially near south-facing glass in summer. A bright east- or west-facing position usually works well indoors in the UK, with a little gentler winter sun being acceptable.

Humidity: Aim for moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50–70%. It can manage in average indoor humidity, but the foliage usually stays in better condition with steadier moisture in the air. Because it is compact, it can also do very well in a terrarium or cabinet, provided there is some airflow and the leaves are not kept constantly wet.

Temperature: Keep it in warm indoor temperatures, ideally around 18–27 °C, and try not to let it fall much below 15 °C for extended periods. It does best away from cold draughts, unheated windowsills on winter nights, and sudden temperature drops.