Cryptocoryne albida 'Rose' Care Guide
Cryptocoryne albida 'Rose' is a compact pinkish-red form of a narrow-leaved Southeast Asian crypt that performs best in soft, mildly acidic water.
Overview
Cryptocoryne albida 'Rose' is a colour selection of Cryptocoryne albida, a narrow-leaved species of the genus Cryptocoryne. The species is highly variable and belongs to the Cryptocoryne crispatula group; aquarium forms range from green to brownish, and the 'Rose' form is noted for its pinkish-red tone. It is used as a midground plant in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Order: Alismatales
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne albida 'Rose'
- Synonym: often traded as Cryptocoryne costata
Habitat
Cryptocoryne albida is distributed in southern Myanmar and Thailand. Like other members of the genus, it grows in streams and rivers of lowland forest, including habitats that are seasonally inundated, and it can grow both submersed and emersed depending on water level.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Growth rate: slow
- Maximum height: about 15 cm
- Placement: midground
Planting and care
The species is undemanding and tolerant of low light and variable parameters, but the 'Rose' form develops best in soft, mildly acidic water. A nutrient-rich substrate and consistent moderate fertilization support steady growth; CO2 is not required. As with most crypts, leaf melt can occur when the plant is first introduced or moved, especially into freshly set up substrate; the plant recovers fully once established.
Propagation
Propagation is by runners. The plant produces daughter plants on underground runners around the parent rosette; once they reach a moderate size they can be separated and replanted.