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by Robert Paul H
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Cryptocorynes are one of the most fascinating species of aquatic plants. They bring rich, deep, earthy colors to the aquascape. They appeal to the novice because of its ability to grow in low light levels, while some cryptocorynes appeal to the serious collector with their sensitivity to various conditions. They come in all shapes and sizes, from short leafed foreground plants, to looming, tall backgrounders, to arching broad leafs, to thin leafed streamers.
Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, tropical Asia How many species? Over 60 and more still being discovered. Conditions Most prefer soft, acidic water, temps 65 to 78F, subdued to moderate light. Some can tolerate more alkaline water and higher temps. Rapid environmental changes is thought to trigger "Crypt Melt", a disease that causes all the leafs to melt. Does not adapt well to frequent transplants, and needs 30 days or so to become established. Most can grow as either fully submerged underwater, or partially emersed as long as the leafs are kept wet with a mister.
"If we plant groups of Cryptocoryne for decorating an aquarium, it is better to wait until the aquarium is settled. When decorating an aquarium for the first time it is best to use fast growing cheap plants, for instance Hygrophila polysperma, Certapteris, Hygrophila difformis, and such. Then we let the aquarium be without fish, start later with only a few species, and slowly build the number of fish. After approximately three months, when it is clear that the plants will grow well, we start to plant Cryptocoryne. Good advice is not to have the light at full strength, but if possible, use a low light and then increase the wattage slowly."
Arend van den Nieuwenhuizen The Aquarium Beautiful yearBOOKS, Inc 1 TFH Plaza Neptune, NJ 07753
Is there much difference in care requirements between different Cryptocoryne species? Yes, there are a lot of species that are very difficult to grow on the long term. Fortunately a couple of very nice species are easy to grow. To a novice grower, would you describe Cryptocorynes as being difficult or easy? Today, most heavily planted aquaria is well lit, probably too much for many Crypts. But again, species you can get in a petshop will adapt. What species are the most difficult and why? Species from Borneo and West Malaysia are the most problematic ones, due to the acid conditions they require. For example Cryptocoryne pallidinervia is not suited for a normal aquarium. What are some examples of the "easiest" Crypts? The popular species from Sri Lanka: C. wendtii, C. beckettii, C. walkeri and C. x willisii. >From Thailand the C. cordata "blassii" is rather easy to grow in a fishtank. We have all heard of "Crypt melt", how much of a concern should this really be for the average hobbyist? None. Change a quarter of the water regular (once a week/month) to avoid it. Do they grow back healthier or weakened? Just normal. What in your opinion is the best substrate material for growing Crypts? Aquarium gravel, with perhaps some clay / loam. Some peat can do a good job as well, mixed with sand. Emmersed its better to use a gravel/peat mixture with some clay AND spray your plants each week with a very diluted fertilizer. What attracted you to this plant specie? They look very good in an aquarium and I just wanted to know what it really was. I still don't know after 25 years, but it proves to be a challenge! For over 20 years Jan has been cultivating and doing taxonomy of Cryptocorynes Visit Jan's The Crypt
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Top row left to right: aponogetifolia, balansae
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