[House Plant]: Cryptanthus Bivittatus ‘Pink Star’ – Unique and Unusual Indoor Plants for Your Home Decor

This week’s plant profile is the Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Pink Star’ Earth Star…

There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.

Plants help a room feel grounded.

I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.

I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…

The links in this post may contain affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. I only write about and share things that I actually use and enjoy. 

Cryptanthus bivattatus ‘Pink Star’

It was the variegation that drew me to this plant. It has unique leaves, cool striping, and the prettiest pinch of pink.

About the Plant

This particular variety of Cryptanthus Bivittatus is known as the ‘Pink Star’ or ‘Pink Starlite’. Cryptanthus plants are also called ‘Earth Stars’ – I like that.

Cryptanthus is part of the bromeliad family. There are over 1,200 types of Cryptanthus! Unlike most bromeliads, the Cryptanthus grow in the ground and have an extensive root system.

The leaves of this plant grow in a rosette pattern and tend to stay low. This variety has variegated leaves in green and cream with a tint of pink. The variegation are stripes that run lengthwise on the leaf (other varieties have horizontal stripes). The leaves are very thick and have very small spikes on the edges of the leaves. This plant stays relatively small, growing up to around 12″ in diameter and only around 6″ tall.

This plant is easy-to-grow and is really low maintenance. It prefers bright lighting, but its leaves can become scorched in direct sun. The brighter the indirect lighting, a brighter shade of pink will appear. Earth Stars prefer to have their soil dry out before watering, but they can also thrive in more moist soil – they’re very easy-going! This plant does well in average to high humidity. Lots of people use this plant in a terrarium as a bright focal point.

Cryptanthus plants bloom once in their life, producing small blossoms. After the plant blooms, it produces offsets and then the main plant dies. The lifespan of the plant is around three years, before producing offsets. The offsets (pups) can be cut off the main plant and repotted.

The Earth Star is an air purifier plant – so it’s great to have as a houseplant.

This plant is native to Brazil.

Earth Stars are non-toxic.

Why I Love It

I love the unusual look of this houseplant, and I like that it’s called an ‘Earth Star’. The texture of the leaves, the variegation, and the tinge of pink make this particular variety very interesting to me. I think this plant looks fabulous set among my other plants – it definitely stands out!

Where to Buy

You can purchase this plant online on Etsy for $17.00.


If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.

Click Houseplant Visual Index for a visual list of all my recommended houseplants.


For more unusual houseplants, visit my “Plants – Unusual and Unique” Pinterest board at

And for even more house plant ideas, visit my “Plants – Garden Room Decor” Pinterest board at

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