This Cryptanthus is the type clone for the species acquired from Selby Gardens with their accession number SEL 1995-0439. The species hails from the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Collected by Elton Leme, this very rare and very large Cryptanthus has burgundy colored lanceolate leaves with hints of darker purple at the bases. If grown in lower light the rich coloring fades and more dark greens come out in the leaves. The plant can mature to over 24-inches in diameter and 18-inches tall. An impressive specimen when fully grown and a crown jewel in any bromeliad collection. ** We recommend growing this particular species in a dirty Turface® mix, equal parts peat based potting mix and Turface® All Sport, a calcined clay product. Fill the bottom of your pot with a shallow layer of potting mix, this prevents the Turface® mix from running out the bottom of your pot, and the remainder with the dirty Turface® mix.
