Cryptocoryne nurii 'Pahang' Care Guide
Cryptocoryne nurii 'Pahang' is a Malaysian locality form with reddish-brown patterned leaves and rippled margins, valued by crypt collectors.
Overview
Cryptocoryne nurii 'Pahang' is a locality form of Cryptocoryne nurii, a species of the genus Cryptocoryne from Peninsular Malaysia. It is named after the state of Pahang and is known for reddish-brown, patterned leaves with rippled margins. Among aquarists the species is valued for its mottled markings and is regarded as a collector's plant.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Order: Alismatales
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne nurii 'Pahang'
Habitat
Cryptocoryne nurii occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, including the state of Pahang. The type variety is associated with soft, acidic, low-lime waters such as peat swamp forests, while the variety raubensis from the Raub district grows in rivers and streams with sand and gravel over limestone. Submersed leaves can show mottled dark green and dusky rose colouration.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Growth rate: slow
- Maximum height: about 20 cm
- Placement: midground
Planting and care
Forms of Cryptocoryne nurii from soft, acidic peat-swamp habitats are more demanding in cultivation than common crypts and do best in soft, acidic water with a nutrient-rich substrate and stable parameters. The species is sensitive to abrupt changes, so crypt melt is likely after planting or relocation; established plants regrow from the rhizome. It is generally treated as a plant for experienced keepers.
Propagation
Propagation is by runners. The plant produces daughter plants on underground runners; in soft, stable water these can be separated and replanted once they have grown enough to establish on their own.