Scarlet Star

Part to full shade; tolerates bright artificial light well, making it a popular office plant. Keep out of direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute), which causes brown spots on the leaves. An east or west exposure with filtered light (behind a sheer curtain, or set back 2-3 feet from a sunny window. A grow light 8-10 inches away works well) is ideal.

Prefers high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby) of at least 50%. Mist the leaves if humidity drops below that, or use a pebble tray. Higher humidity is particularly beneficial during the blooming period.

Orchid or bromeliad potting mix with bark for excellent drainage and aeration. A DIY mix of equal parts coco coir, perlite, and peat moss also works well. The root system is small and mainly structural, so a modest pot is sufficient.

Watch for scale insects along stems and leaf undersides, and mealybugs at the leaf bases. Root rot occurs if the soil is kept too wet - water the cup, not the pot. Brown tips indicate low humidity or mineral buildup from tap water; switch to distilled water. Fading bract color is often from too much direct sun.