Description
Cryptanthus Neon Plant
The variability of shapes, colors, and patterns, plus their adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions, make Cryptanthus a favourite of plant lovers around the world.
The plants have low-spreading rosettes of six to 20 leaves. Most grow in shady moist areas, some grow in rocky terrain, a few grow in full sun. They are dependent on their root system for water supply, since they do not store in their centres.
A very few are succulent and can store water in their leaves.
Planting and care
Too much light will cause bleached spots on the foliage or a leathery, stressed look to the plant. In extreme cases, sunburn spots or holes will occur. On the other extreme, weak foliage and greening of color suggests that the plant needs more light.
Cryptanthus will root easily in potting medium. Make a small depression, insert the pup s small stem and press the mixture firmly around it. Pot no deeper than the base of the first leaf. Stake the plant if necessary to keep it from rocking back and forth. It is essential for the plant to be secure for an extra fast start and good growth. Bottom heat may speed root development in colder climates. Place the newly potted plant in a favorable location and water it as one would a mature plant.
| Sunlight | For maximum color in most Cryptanthus, bright diiffused light is necessary. |
| Watering | They must be kept damp for best growth. It should never be allowed to totally dry out. |
| Soil | The growing medium should be a loose, porous mixture. |
| Temperature | 60 to 85 degrees F |
| Fertilizer | Use dilute solutions, even to a quarter of the recommended strength. Any even balanced fertilizer works well (14-14-14, 10-10-10, etc.) A time-released granular fertilizer combined into the potting mix for newly planted offsets show excellent results. |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.