Cryptanthus Elaine is an earth star, a bromeliad that grows flat like a starburst instead of upright like its cousins. The pointed, wavy-edged leaves are banded in pink, white, and deep green, making a living ornament for a terrarium, dish garden, or bright shelf.

Unlike tree-dwelling bromeliads, earth stars grow in soil, so water the potting mix when the surface dries rather than filling a center cup. Bright, indirect light keeps the pink strong, direct sun fades it, and extra humidity keeps the leaf tips clean.