How to remove Cryptanthus offsets

Introduction

Cryptanthus a member of the Bromeliad family, are commonly known as ‘earth stars’. These charming, dwarf, star-shaped plants form attractive clusters and can grow to form a colourful carpet of stars.

After flowering Cryptanthus produce offsets. The offsets arise from between the leaves but can also be produced from the base of the plant or from stolons.

Plant pictured is about to flower and the offsets are just beginning to develop between the leaves.

You can leave the offsets on the mother plant.

They will continue to grow and develop into attractive clusters.

You may also decide to remove the offsets. But how do you know when to do so without harming the mother plant or the offsets.

Offsets can be safely removed once they are about one third – half the size of the mother plant.

Offsets pictured left are still too small to remove, whereas offsets pictured right are ready to be removed.

There are Cryptanthus varieties that will release their offsets when they are sufficiently mature.

However, in most instances a gentle tug is all that is required to remove the offsets.

We also recommend removing offsets in spring and summer.

The offsets usually do not have any roots. Don’t be concerned by this.

Once potted they normally produce roots easily, especially during the growing season.

Offsets can be potted into small pots with a quality potting soil. We recommend African Violet potting soil.

Ensure that you do not plant the offset too deeply. The offset should not be planted deeper than the first two basal leaves.

It is important that the plant is secure in the potting soil. We often use elastic bands to secure the plant to prevent any movement of the offset while roots are developing.

We also recommend providing the offsets with a little extra shade until established.
Offsets normally develop roots within 6-8 weeks.