X Cryptbergia Bromeliad Hybrid
Cryptanthus have been crossed with Billbergia and the resulting hybrids are intermediate in habit between the two genera.
One of the most common in cultivation, probably because it is so easy to grow, is X Cryptbergia rubra. It forms a stiff rosette about 9 inches (23cm) across of 20-30 hard, recurving, tapering leaves, glossy mahogany-red on top, silvery grey beneath. The dense stemless flower head in the center of the plant has the yellow and blue flowers of Billbergia nutans and lasts a week in color. Offsets are produced on short stolons and root easily, to flower in one year. It likes peat and sand compost, with regular feeding at every third watering, and very bright light - almost full sun. A temperature of 45 degrees F (7 degrees C) does not trouble this plant at all.
January 2, 2008
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