Cryptocoryne Flamingo care guide
Cryptocoryne Flamingo (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Flamingo') — high light, 22-27 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Cryptocoryne Flamingo (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Flamingo') is a broad-leaved plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Striking pink-leaved crypt prized for its hot-pink to bubblegum coloration. Demands strong light, CO2, and rich substrate to retain pink tones; otherwise reverts to greenish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Flamingo'
- Common synonyms: Pink Crypt Flamingo
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 Sri Lanka.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Substrate: aquasoil
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Nutrient demand: high
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the midground. 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.