Cryptanthus zonatus

This Brazilian epiphytal bromeliad (from the Greek for “hidden flower”) is a lovely plant for a low table. It prefers subdued light which will intensify the brown and cream barred leaves, suggesting the markings on a pheasant’s feathers; and it grows only a few inches high, the crinkly edged leaves spreading horizontally.

In March, I found a cluster of tiny, upright green points in the center of my plant. They opened quickly into small triangular white flowers on short, erect stems, and for six weeks, two flowers opened every few days. In the Summer, I made the mistake of setting the plant where it received some sun, and the leaves faded to a dingy brown. No real harm was done to the plant, for in the Fall three vigorous rosettes of new leaves came from the center of the plant, a beautiful seal-brown in color, barred with wavy white lines, the under side soft grey.

The leaves are five to seven inches long and nearly two inches wide, tapering to a sharp point. The edges are sharply serrate. A light soil, rich in leaf mold, suits it well. It enjoys frequent syringing and moist air, but not wet, heavy soil.