Rosette flat, stemless. Leaves 15-20 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, dark green with irregular silvery cross-banding above, densely grey scaled below; margins wavy (as is the whole leaf), densely and finely toothed. Flowers white.
Brazil
f. fuscus (Vis.) Mez Leaves reddish-brown with silvery grey banding. The form most commonly found in cultivation.
f. viridis Mez Undersides of the leaves hairless, green.
A selection of more commonly available cultivars can be found under the cultivar tab.
Source: (2005). Bromeliaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
Cryptanthus zonatus 'Black Magic'
Small. Wide green leaves with very dark overlay.
Cryptanthus zonatus 'Black Mystic'
Medium. Rippled, purple-black leaves with silver cross bars.
Cryptanthus zonatus 'Café Au Lait'
Small. Narrow leaves of milk coffee colour.
Cryptanthus zonatus 'Coffee Royal'
Resembles a large 'Café Au Lait'.
Medium. Wide, rippled leaves, intense pink over dark brown with silver cross bars.
Small. Wide leaves, pinkish bronze.
The variegated form called 'Jean Nicol' originated in Melbourne.
Medium. Narrow, rippled leaves, green midstripe, pink edges.
Cryptanthus zonatus 'Lucky Streak'
Small. Wide leaves grey-green, brownish longitudinal lines.
Cryptanthus zonatus 'Pink Starlight'
Small. Rippled leaves, dull green midstripe with pink edges.
Cryptanthus zonatus 'Silver Sheen'
Small with wide, crimped leaves having reddish margins with silver overlay.
According to the Bromeliad Cultivar Register this may be a cultivar of a Cryptanthus lacerdae hybrid.