Cryptanthus forms a rosette of colorful leaves. Flowers appear occasionally, but they're hidden by the leaves in some varieties.
Light
Expose to medium (bright indirect) light.
Water
Keep cup at center of leaves filled at all times. Change water about every 10 days. Keep growing medium moist. Mist frequently.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees. Avoid cold drafts.
Comments
Plant in a shallow container in orchid potting mix. Spray dilute fertilizer on leaves and growing medium monthly. Encourage flowering in a mature plant by placing it in a plastic bag with a ripening apple. The fruit gives off ethylene gas, which stimulates blossoming. Avoid pesticides. Propagate by offsets.