Description
Cryptocoryne Wendtii Red
Cryptocoryne wendtii Red is a popular and versatile aquatic plant that is highly valued in the aquarium hobby. This plant originates from Sri Lanka, and its ‘Red’ variety is one of several different colour variations within the Cryptocoryne wendtii species.
Tissue culture plants are grown in vitro from a state of the art laboratory specialized in propagating aquatic plants. This means you can enjoy strong and healthy plants free from pests and diseases from the start.
Overview
Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Red’ is a popular aquarium plant prized for its vibrant reddish-brown leaves, compact growth, and adaptability to various tank conditions. Belonging to the Araceae family, this rosette plant originates from Sri Lanka and is a cultivar of Cryptocoryne wendtii. It’s ideal for foreground or midground placement, growing to 10-20 cm tall, with leaves that add striking colour contrast to aquascapes. Its hardiness makes it suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Low to moderate. Higher light enhances red colouration but isn’t mandatory.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 20–28°C.
- pH: 6.0–7.5 (soft to moderately hard water).
- Hardness: 3–8 dGH.
Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquasoil or gravel with root tabs) promotes robust growth. Sand or fine gravel can work with supplementation.
Nutrients: Regular dosing of liquid fertilizers (iron and micronutrients) enhances health and colouration.
CO2: Not required but benefits growth and colour intensity in high-tech setups (10–20 ppm).
Tank Requirements: Suitable for nano to large tanks due to its compact size. A minimum of a few gallons ensures submersion, with 5-7 cm of substrate depth for robust root systems.
Planting and Propagation
Planting: Insert the root system into the substrate, leaving the crown (where leaves emerge) exposed. Plant individual rosettes 5–10 cm apart to allow spread.
Propagation: Reproduces via runners that form daughter plants. Once these plantlets develop roots and 3–5 leaves, they can be gently separated and replanted. Division of mature clumps is also possible.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Remove dead or yellowing leaves at the base to maintain aesthetics and prevent decay.
- Cleaning: Gently rinse leaves during water changes to remove algae or debris.
- Water Changes: Perform 20–30% weekly water changes to maintain stable parameters.
- Monitoring: Check for nutrient deficiencies (yellowing leaves may indicate low iron or nitrogen). Adjust fertilization as needed.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Crypt Melt: Common during acclimation or after replanting. Minimize by maintaining stable water parameters and avoiding sudden changes in light or CO2.
- Algae Growth: Excessive light or nutrient imbalance can cause algae on leaves. Reduce light duration (6–8 hours) or adjust nutrient dosing.
- Slow Growth: Normal for Crypts, especially in low-tech setups. Be patient; growth accelerates once established.
Tips:
- Use root tabs every 3–6 months in nutrient-poor substrates to boost growth.
Recommendation
- Tank Setup: Ideal for low-tech tanks due to its adaptability, but thrives in high-tech setups with CO2 and strong lighting for vivid colouration.
- Companions: Pairs well with fish like tetras or rasboras that won’t uproot it. Avoid aggressive fish like cichlids that may damage roots.
- Aquascaping: Use in midground with taller plants like Anubias or Java fern in the background and carpeting plants like Dwarf Hairgrass in the foreground for a balanced look.
- Product Suggestions: Consider Seachem Flourish or Aquasoil for nutrient support. For CO2 setups, a basic injector system works well.
- Beginner-Friendly: Its resilience makes it a great choice for new aquarists, but monitor for melt during initial setup.
