Plant Min Zone: 9b
Plant Max Zone: 11b
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average
Soil Quality: Poor, Average
Bloom Season: Insignificant
Flower Color: Insignificant
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Reddish Green
Summer Foliage Color: Reddish Green
Fall Foliage Color: Reddish Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium, High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Medium
Humidity Tolerance: Medium, High
Wind Tolerance: Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: No Extreme Soils
Height: 1' - 1.5'
Width: 1' - 1.5'
Growth Rate: Slow, Medium
Service Life: N.A.
Maintenance Need: N.A.
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: N.A.
Plant Grouping Size: N.A.
Best Side of House: N.A.
Extreme Planting Locations: N.A.
Ornamental Features: N.A.
Special Landscape Uses: N.A.
Possible Pest Problems: N.A.
Plant Limitations: N.A.
Red Burst Bromeliad (Cryptbergia 'Red Burst') is an intergeneric bromeliad hybrid that is a cross between Billbergia nutans x Cryptanthus bahianus. It forms rosettes of flattened 8-12" long pointed green/bronzy-red leaves. Color ranges from dark green in shade to more intense maroon in bright UV light. 'Red Burst' is usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. Best grown in full to part sun with some extra watering including that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow thicker and tolerate extremely root-bound pots and bone dry soil. If repotting, make sure to use a cactus mix with some of sand and perlite. Although plants are hardy to 26-28 degrees F, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 35 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to lose foliage color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance; no pests have ever been observed on this bullet-proof plant.