Cryptocoryne hudoroi 'Red' Care Guide
Cryptocoryne hudoroi 'Red' is a red-toned form of a rare bullate-leaved crypt from limestone rivers of southern Borneo, developing deeper colour under stronger light.
Overview
Cryptocoryne hudoroi is a rare crypt from Borneo in the family Araceae, distinguished by very narrow-oval, strongly bullate (puckered) leaves. The 'Red' form develops a deep bronze to brick-red colouration under stronger light, while under low to moderate light it produces taller, upright green bullate leaves. It is a medium-sized crypt relative to its larger relatives.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne hudoroi 'Red'
Habitat
The species occurs in the south of Borneo (Kalimantan), where it grows in limestone areas, forming dense submersed populations in rapidly flowing rivers. When water levels drop, these populations continue growing emersed. Despite its limestone origin, the plant is adaptable to a range of water hardness and substrate reaction.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Lighting: medium; stronger light intensifies red colour
- CO2: not required, but accepted
- Growth rate: slow
- Maximum height: about 25 cm
- Placement: midground
Planting and care
As a root-feeding rhizome crypt, it is planted in a nutrient-rich substrate. Light intensity controls both leaf form and colour: low to moderate light yields taller green leaves, while higher light produces a lower habit with bronze to red tones. Like all cryptocorynes it is sensitive to abrupt swings in water chemistry, which can cause leaf melt, so stable conditions are important. The form is suited to clean, soft, slightly acidic water.
Propagation
Propagation is vegetative, by runners and rhizome division. Daughter plants that arise alongside the parent can be detached once rooted and replanted.