How to prune cryptanthus 'black mystic'

Any time for dead-leaf removal; divide pups post-bloom when established. Peel away dead outer leaves gently at the base. After the mother plant flowers and declines, let offsets reach 5–8 cm, then separate with a clean knife and pot in a shallow, well-draining mix — handle gently to avoid damaging the coloured leaf edges.

Rarely — only as dead growth appears, plus post-bloom pup division. Cryptanthus 'Black Mystic' is a striking cultivar needing virtually no pruning. Remove dead or browning outer leaves at the base as they appear. After blooming, the rosette naturally dies — allow pups to grow to several centimetres before separating them to preserve the dramatic dark colouration.

Peel away dead outer leaves gently at the base. After the mother plant flowers and declines, let offsets reach 5–8 cm, then separate with a clean knife and pot in a shallow, well-draining mix — handle gently to avoid damaging the coloured leaf edges.