Cryptanthus arelii 'Ti'

7,99€ EUR
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Dwarf and very drought-resistant bromeliad from Brazil with elegant white variegation, or more if exposed to strong light.
Cryptanthus arelii 'Ti'
7,99€ EUR
In stock
Description

Cryptanthus arelii is a relatively small bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) with a diameter of about 20 to 30 cm, native to the east coast of Brazil.

It grows terrestrially (in the soil) in relatively dry savanna regions and not as an epiphyte in the rainforest, like many other bromeliads. That is why Cryptanthus are often called “earth stars.” The tough, thick leaves serve as water reservoirs.

C. arelii is actually pure green in the wild, but in cultivation, a spontaneous mutation with bright pink leaf margins appeared in the late 1960s, which was then named 'It'.

When propagating this cultivar, it quickly became apparent that it is unstable, and the offshoots are sometimes green, sometimes pure white, and very rarely have an exactly inverted pattern. These individuals with the inverted pattern were then given an inverted name 'Ti'.

The cultivar ‘Ti’ has white variegation running lengthwise down the center of the leaf and green leaf margins. In bright light, the variegation, which is actually white, takes on a pink hue due to the accumulation of protective pigments, and the green leaf margins turn brownish.

By the way, ‘Ti’ is now stable; it is propagated via tissue culture and thus retains its exact coloration.

After an inflorescence has formed, the mother plant slowly dies off and produces many small offsets that emerge from the sides.

You will receive a plant approximately 15 cm in diameter in a 9 cm pot.
Care tips

Most bromeliads are easy to care for, and almost all (tropical) species can be kept as both terrarium and house plants.

Most bromeliads are epiphytes, meaning they are plants that grow on other plants, usually on the branches of large trees. Their roots are used only for anchoring to the substrate. With their leaves, they form a watertight funnel where rainwater collects, known as a phytotelm. From this, they absorb their water and nutrients. As long as they always have (clean) water in their funnel, they do not need substrate or a pot.

There are also xerophytic (drought-adapted) species, which are usually characterized by more compact growth and hard, often spiny leaves. These species are better suited for dry terrariums or alongside cacti and other succulents on a windowsill than in a tropical terrarium.
Light & Location

This bromeliad likes bright conditions. A spot on a south-facing or west-facing window in direct sunlight is ideal. In summer, it can also be grown very well outdoors. Here, it is best kept in partial shade.

When cared for under grow lights, it requires strong illumination. At 5,000 to 20,000 lux or 100 to 500 PPFD (µmol/m²/s), it grows well and the leaves develop ideal coloration. UV radiation outdoors in summer or in a terrarium, even under a UV lamp, leads to particularly good coloration.

This species is adapted to dryness and therefore does not require high humidity to grow well. Moist, stuffy conditions can lead to rot. It likes warmth. Temperatures of 25 to 30°C lead to the best growth. Since it does not have a water reservoir, it is not as susceptible to crown rot as species with reservoirs. In winter, if it is dry, it can tolerate temperatures below 10°C well. However, it will then grow little to not at all.
Substrate & Repotting

This bromeliad is terrestrial and adapted to drought. It should be kept in a pot with substrate. Our succulent substrate or a very loose mixture of coir and perlite are well suited.
Watering & Fertilizing

This terrestrial bromeliad does not have a water-storing funnel and therefore does not need to be watered from above. Like succulents, it can be thoroughly watered every 7 sunny days during the growing season and should then be allowed to dry out.

Bromeliads can grow surprisingly fast, even with very little fertilizer. As houseplants, they can be fertilized with an orchid fertilizer approximately every 2 weeks during the growing season from about April to October. This corresponds to a fertilizer conductivity of about 500 µS/cm. The conductivity can be determined with a TDS meter. In the autumn and winter months, fertilization should be reduced, as the plants then do not get enough light to utilize the nutrients. Here, a weak fertilization of about 250 µS/cm monthly is sufficient. When cared for under grow lights, they can be fertilized year-round with about 500 µS/cm every 2 weeks.

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Jungle Leaves grows many of its own plants and focuses on gentle, resource-saving cultivation.

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Shipping is done using materials that are as low in plastic as possible, recyclable materials, and climate-friendly shipping options.

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The shop offers special and hard-to-find plant species for collectors and enthusiasts.

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Behind the shop are plant experts who value sound care and location advice.

Animal-friendly terrariums

There are specially assembled plant sets and accessories that are ideal for naturalistic terrariums.

Welcome

Bring the Tropic to Your Home

Jungle Leaves is a team of 3 biologists who breed, propagate and sell extraordinary and unique plants from all over the world, also in cooperation with botanical gardens.

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