Cryptanthus zonatus aka Earth Star

Taxonomy

Cryptanthus zonatus, also known as Zebra Plant, is a rosette-forming perennial native to Brazil. This house plant features narrowly lance-shaped dark green leaves that are beautifully cross-banded with silvery-grey and have a hint of copper. It thrives in warm, draft-free areas with high humidity and indirect light. In the summer, it produces small white flowers in sparse clusters from the center of the plant. Although it is a visually appealing plant, it may occasionally face issues with mealybugs and scale.

Common names

Earth Star, Zebra Plant, Marbled Earth Star

How to care for Earth Star

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Earth Star is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Earth Star does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Earth Star loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Earth Star requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Earth Star will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Earth Star is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

Earth Star enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Earth Star is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Earth Star is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.

Region of origin

Earth Star’s native range is Brazil.


More info:
Wikipedia