Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze' Care Guide
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze' is a bronze-leaved cultivar of a robust Sri Lankan water trumpet, one of the most reliable midground crypts for low-tech tanks.
Overview
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze' is a cultivar of Cryptocoryne wendtii, a very variable and robust species of the genus Cryptocoryne. The species is native to Sri Lanka and is one of the most common crypts in the aquarium trade. The 'Bronze' form is selected for its bronze to brownish leaf colour and is used as a midground plant.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Order: Alismatales
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze'
- Common name: Wendt's water trumpet
Habitat
Cryptocoryne wendtii is native to Sri Lanka, where forms are associated with rivers such as the Mi Oya. It has also been introduced into Florida. In the wild it grows in streams and on river banks, alternating between submersed and emersed growth as water levels change, and its appearance varies considerably with light and environment.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Growth rate: medium
- Maximum height: about 25 cm
- Placement: midground
Planting and care
Cryptocoryne wendtii is described as an easy plant to grow and one of the most robust species in the genus. It tolerates low light and low CO2, making it suitable for non-injected, low-tech tanks, and it benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate and consistent moderate fertilization. Crypt melt may occur when the plant is first submersed or moved, particularly into fresh substrate, after which it regrows from the rhizome.
Propagation
Propagation is by runners. The plant readily sends out underground runners that produce daughter plants nearby; once these reach a moderate size they can be detached and replanted.