Cryptanthus ‘Elaine’

Cryptanthus ‘Elaine’ is a striking terrestrial bromeliad prized for its compact, star-shaped rosette and rich foliage colour. The leaves are broad and gently arching with finely serrated margins, forming a low-growing, symmetrical plant that hugs the soil surface.

The foliage typically displays deep shades of burgundy to reddish-brown, often overlaid with subtle darker banding or mottling. Under brighter light, the colours intensify, giving the plant a dramatic, almost metallic appearance. The leaf surface has a slightly textured, matte finish, adding to its ornamental appeal.

Like other Cryptanthus species, ‘Elaine’ produces small, inconspicuous white to pale lilac flowers nestled in the centre of the rosette, but the plant is grown primarily for its foliage rather than its blooms.

Key features:

• Compact, star-shaped terrestrial bromeliad

• Rich burgundy to reddish-brown foliage with darker patterning

• Low-growing and ideal for pots, terrariums, or indoor displays

• Subtle central flowers, with foliage as the main attraction

This cultivar is especially popular for modern interiors, terrariums, and collectors who appreciate bold foliage in a small, manageable plant.

Plants on offer: 10-15cm rooted. Shipped without pot or soil.

Image Credit: Vinland Valley Nursery

Have a look at our other available Bromeliads!