Earth star (Cryptanthus)

Cryptanthus bivattus minor (Bromeliaceae)

Also called Starfish plant, Green earth star, Vary-leaf star.

Cats and dogs

Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: non-toxic Dogs: non-toxic

Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.

Source: ASPCA entry "Earth Star", checked October 3, 2026.

Best in bright indirect light; morning and evening sun is fine but strong midday sun bleaches the leaves. Too much shade dulls the foliage color.

Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.

On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).

Care level: Moderate. Water: Water at the root zone when the soil is dry to the touch, in a well-drained, humus-rich mix.

Getting the light right is key to keeping the leaf colors bright.