Cryptocoryne wendtii

Family Araceae. Sri Lanka is the homeland.

Currently, there are four main forms of this plant in culture, differing in color and leaf shape. It should be noted that the appearance of cryptocoryne can vary greatly depending on the conditions of maintenance. The most common among aquarists are Cryptocoryne wendtii wendtii with oblong leaves of dark green or olive color and Cryptocoryne wendtii rubella (brown Wendt) with more elongated leaves of brown color. This species is very popular among aquarists due to its high decorative qualities and good adaptability to various living conditions. Under optimal conditions, the height of the bush reaches 25 – 30 cm. The plant forms loose thickets. It can be kept in a small aquarium, but then cryptocorin has small sizes. It is better to place it in the middle of the aquarium, closer to the front glass. Underwater it grows evenly throughout the year.

Cryptocoryne is not demanding to temperature conditions, but a tropical aquarium is more suitable for it. Optimum water temperature is 24 – 28 °C. The plant also feels satisfactory at a lower temperature, 20 – 22 °C, but then its growth slows down. Medium hardness water, 9-16°, is more suitable for this cryptocoryne. In soft water, with significant pH fluctuations, Cryptocoryne wendtii often sheds leaves, although it is much less susceptible to cryptocoryne disease than other representatives of the genus. In any case, it is better not to keep this plant in very soft water (hardness below 4°). The active reaction of the water is not of great importance, it can be either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. Cryptocoryne grows well in both fresh and old water. Regular water changes are not necessary for it.

The plant doesn’t mind the kind of lighting. It can grow under the shade of large plants that form a dense bush, or in an aquarium with very little lighting. It should be noted that in low light conditions, the color of the leaves barely changes. Lighting can be done with either artificial or natural light. It is best to shield the plant from the sun. The best light is diffused daylight.

It is preferable to use incandescent or LB type fluorescent lamps as an artificial light source. The LD type of fluorescent lamps should always be used in conjunction with incandescent lamps. With one liter of water and one 0.3 W fluorescent lamp, fairly adequate lighting is produced. There should be a minimum of twelve hours of daylight each day.

The nature of the soil is of no small importance for good growth of cryptocoryne. It should be well silted. It is best to add additional fertilizer to the new soil, consisting of clay, peat, coal or aquarium sludge. The nature of the substrate is also important: coarse river sand should be used, possibly mixed with small pebbles. In a substrate consisting of large particles, the plant forms side shoots at a close distance from the mother bush, as a result of which both the mother plant, which lacks nutrients, and the side shoots, suppressed by the mother plant, suffer. Cryptocoryne develops a strong root system, so it requires a soil layer at least 5 cm thick.

For Cryptocoryne Wendtii, mineral feeding is not required. Small amounts of microelements, such as 0.1 mg of copper, manganese, boron, and molybdenum per liter of water, should be added to aquarium water twice a month. Remember that the plant benefits greatly from the addition of divalent iron at the same dose.

In artificial environments, Cryptocoryne wendtii can only be propagated vegetatively through the division of a long, creeping rhizome and root shoots. The young plants can be divided and moved to a different location once they have developed two or three leaves.

While a plant grown in an aquarium may seem more interesting, it grows and blooms much more quickly in a humid greenhouse. Soil can be made up of turf soil, humus, peat, and sand. Swampy or extremely wet soil are possible. Bright and diffused light is required. It is possible to move plants from a greenhouse straight into an aquarium. In artificial conditions, seeds cannot be obtained.

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2012-10-30

Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia

A popular and resilient aquatic plant that can survive in a range of aquarium conditions, Cryptocoryne wendtii is a favorite among novice and expert aquarists alike. It can be used to create lush, realistic-looking aquascapes because it is low maintenance, adaptable to various water parameters, and grows well in low light. It is also available in a variety of color variations.

2012-11-10