Cryptocoryne retrospiralis Care Guide
Cryptocoryne retrospiralis is an Indian water trumpet with very narrow ribbon-like leaves, used as a background plant in soft to moderately hard water.
Overview
Cryptocoryne retrospiralis is a member of the genus Cryptocoryne, a group of aquatic plants in the arum family known as water trumpets after their trumpet-shaped flowers. The species is native to South Asia and is distinguished by its very long, narrow, ribbon-like leaves, which make it suitable as a background plant in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Order: Alismatales
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne retrospiralis
Habitat
The species occurs in India and Bangladesh, where it grows in slow-moving, shallow rivers, streams and marshes over substrates of sand, gravel and stones. It experiences both submersed and emersed phases as seasonal water levels change, and is reported from open, sunlit habitats. The genus as a whole inhabits streams and rivers of lowland forest, including seasonally inundated pools.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-14 °dGH
- Lighting: low to moderate
- CO2: not required
- Growth rate: medium
- Maximum height: about 40 cm
- Placement: background
Planting and care
Cryptocoryne species are rooted plants best grown in a nutrient-rich substrate; they tolerate low CO2 and are well suited to non-injected tanks, though consistent moderate fertilization supports steady leaf production. Many specimens are cultivated emersed in nurseries and may shed their leaves when first submersed, a phenomenon known as crypt melt; sudden changes to the environment and freshly set up substrates can trigger it. Established plants normally recover within several weeks.
Propagation
Propagation is by runners. The plant sends out underground runners into the surrounding substrate, where plantlets develop; these grow fastest if left attached to the parent until they reach a moderate size, after which they can be separated and replanted.