Cryptocoryne Tonkinensis care guide
Cryptocoryne Tonkinensis (Cryptocoryne crispatula var. tonkinensis) — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Cryptocoryne Tonkinensis (Cryptocoryne crispatula var. tonkinensis) is a grass-like plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Vietnamese variety of C. crispatula with very narrow, slightly twisted long leaves. Excellent grass-like background plant for nature aquariums; benefits from rich substrate and stable parameters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne crispatula var. tonkinensis
- Common synonyms: Vietnamese Crypt
Habitat
Cryptocoryne species inhabit slow-flowing forest streams, peat-swamp creeks and seasonally flooded lowlands across South and South-East Asia. Most grow rooted in soft mineral or organic sediments under partial shade. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Vietnam.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 4-14 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 50 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the background. It is planted into a nutrient-rich substrate; emersed-grown stock often melts after submersion and regrows submersed leaves within weeks. Stable parameters minimise repeated melt.
Propagation
This species is spreads vegetatively by runners that form daughter plants on the substrate; clumps are divided once the colony has filled the area.
Common issues
Sudden parameter shifts, particularly temperature drops or large water changes, trigger so-called Crypt melt in which existing leaves dissolve while the rhizome regrows new ones; stable conditions prevent repeat events.