Cryptanthus

Earth Stars should have their soil kept slightly moist. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering again. Make sure to water the soil and not the leaves directly, as direct water on the foliage can cause damage and rot. If your Earth Star is in too small a pot, it tends to dry out more quickly, so re-potting into a larger size can help.

Earth Stars enjoy bright, indirect light and are sensitive to direct sunlight. If you don't have any bright windows available, grow lights or lamps can keep your Earth Star happy indoors. A north-facing window tends to provide the best balance between light and protection from hot rays.

Earth Stars prefer temperatures between 65-75 Fahrenheit (18-24 Celsius). Avoid exposing your plant to temperatures below 65 Fahrenheit (18 Celsius). If the temperatures drop below 60 Fahrenheit (16 Celsius), you should cover your plant with plastic to help keep it warm.

Since Earth Stars are natives to tropical regions, humid environments are beneficial for their growth. If you notice discoloration on the foliage, this is an indication that the humidity is too low and the plant is not getting enough moisture in the air. Add a humidifier near the plant or mist the leaves to help with the humidity levels.

Earth Stars prefer a loose, well-draining potting soil that can retain moisture well. A mix of equal parts peat moss, sand, and garden soil helps with moisture retention and helps the plant grow and thrive.

Earth Stars can be fertilized in the early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer by half according to the directions to ensure it's not too harsh on the plant. There is no need to fertilize during their dormant period.

The most common pests that affect Earth Stars are aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Treatment includes washing off the pests with a spray of soapy water, spraying with an insecticide, or spraying with a neem oil mixture. Wiping off the affected parts of the plant with a cotton swab also helps remove the pests and their eggs.

Earth Stars don’t like to be over-potted, which can lead to root rot. Repotting should be done every 2-3 years in a slightly larger pot. It is best to repot during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing.

Earth Stars do not require much pruning, however, dead or dying leaves should be removed for aesthetic and health reasons. Make sure your pruning shears are clean and sharp before removing any foliage to avoid infecting the plant with bacteria or fungi.

Organic matter like bark chips, coconut coir, or wood chips can be used as mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. Be sure to top off the mulch throughout the growing season to keep the humidity level and temperature around the plant constant.

Earth Stars can be propagated through leaf, stem, or root cuttings. Take a healthy, living leaf off the plant and place in moist soil. You should be able to see new growth in about two weeks. You can also take stem or root cuttings and bury them in the soil until they start to sprout.

Earth Stars tend to grow slowly, so they don’t need any additional support. Their strong, woody stems are strong enough to support their own leaves.

Earth Stars typically have a rest period between fall and winter. During this time, the plant will experience less active growth, so it’s important to reduce your watering schedule and keep your plant in a cooler temperature with less light.

Earth Stars are non-toxic to pets, so there is no need to worry about your beloved cat or dog getting sick if they choose to nibble on the plant leaves.