Cryptocoryne minima Care Guide
Cryptocoryne minima is a compact crypt from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra with narrow lance-shaped leaves, suited to foreground and midground placement.
Overview
Cryptocoryne minima is a compact species of the genus Cryptocoryne with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It was described by Ridley in 1910 and is an accepted species. Its small size makes it suitable for foreground and midground placement in nano and standard aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Order: Alismatales
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne minima
- Author: Ridl. (1910)
Habitat
The native range extends from Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra. The plant is a helophyte (marsh plant) that grows primarily in the wet tropical biome. As with other crypts in the genus, it occurs in streams and rivers of lowland forest and in seasonally inundated habitats, growing both submersed and emersed.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Growth rate: slow
- Maximum height: about 15 cm
- Placement: foreground to midground
Planting and care
Cryptocoryne minima is rooted in substrate and grows best in soft water with a nutrient-rich base; it tolerates low light and low CO2, making it suitable for low-tech tanks. Consistent moderate fertilization supports steady growth of the compact rosette. As with most crypts, leaf melt may follow initial planting or relocation, especially into fresh substrate, after which the plant regrows from the rhizome.
Propagation
Propagation is by runners. The plant produces daughter plants on underground runners; these can be separated and replanted once they have developed enough roots and leaves to establish independently.