Water:

​

These bromeliads have a “cup” in the center of the plant which catches & stores water in nature. This cup needs to be kept topped up with water which should be emptied and replaced with fresh water every week to avoid bacteria growing in that cup. It is best to use soft water, like distilled or rain water.

 

Soaking Frequency: Every 2 to 3 weeks. Make sure the moss ball is completely dry before watering.

​​

Place the kokedama in a bowl, plant side up. Add water at room temperature until the kokedama is about to float. Wait about 5 minutes until the kokedama absorbs most of the water in the bowl. Add more water to the bowl, this time a little bit more, and wait until the kokedama looks wet all the way to the neck. Add more water to the bowl as necessary. This process will take about 15 to 30 minutes. Take the kokedama out of the bowl and let it drip the excess water for about a minute before putting back on display.

​​

Light:

​

Bright, natural light is best. Cryptanthus need this light to bring out the variegation in their foliage. If the the leaves start  turning green, is nit receiving enouth light.

​​

Feeding/Fertilizing:

​

Cryptanthus get their nutrients from matter which falls on them from plants growing above. For this reason, it’s best to spray the fertilizer onto the foliage. You can use an all-purpose Orchid food (Orchids are epiphytes just like bromeliads) diluted to 1/2 strength or this fertilizer formulated for air plants. The best time to feed is in the Spring or Summer. Fertilizing once or twice a year is enough.

​