Propagating Cryptocoryne hudoroi 'Red'

A propagation guide for the rare Borneo crypt Cryptocoryne hudoroi 'Red' using runners and rhizome division, with notes on calcium, melt and slow growth.

Overview

Cryptocoryne hudoroi 'Red' is a red-toned form of the rare bullate crypt C. hudoroi, which is native to Kalimantan on the island of Borneo and grows there in limestone streams. The genus as a whole lives in lowland-forest streams and rivers with gentle flow, and hudoroi behaves as a slow-growing, root-feeding rosette crypt.

Because the wild habitat is limestone, calcium and pH are key to success; growers report it grows well emersed in tap water around pH 7.8 with average calcium hardness. Submerged crypts reproduce vegetatively, so propagation depends on the runners and divisions of an established mother plant rather than cuttings.

Propagation Method

Hudoroi is a rosette plant, so it is multiplied by letting it spread and then dividing it — never by topping or cutting leaves.

Runners: like other crypts, hudoroi propagates via runners, and the new plants will settle at the depth they like best.
Rhizome division: a clump with several crowns can be lifted and separated into rooted pieces, each keeping part of the rhizome.

Step-by-Step

Grow the mother plant undisturbed until it produces runners with their own leaves and roots; with this slow species this can take a while.
Lift the clump carefully and rinse away substrate so the rhizome and separate crowns are visible.
Detach rooted daughter plants or cut the rhizome into sections, leaving healthy roots on each.
Replant in a calcium-rich, nutritious substrate, burying the roots while keeping the crown exposed; add crushed coral if your water is low in calcium.
Give each piece its own space and keep light moderate so the red colour develops without forcing growth.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Provide a nutrient-rich substrate with adequate calcium, since this limestone-stream species responds strongly to calcium and pH. It is a slow grower and CO2 is not mandatory; medium light helps bring out the brick-red colouring. Growers note hudoroi can be reluctant emersed and often does better fully submerged once settled.

Maintenance

Keep water stable and calcium-replete, top up root tabs in the substrate, and resist the urge to move the plant once it has rooted. Multiply slowly by removing the occasional runner plantlet rather than by repeated disturbance of the parent.