Cryptocoryne Wendtii (Cryptocoryne wendtii) Care Guide
Highly adaptable Sri Lankan aroid available in green, bronze and red forms. Known for occasional crypt melt after transplanting, but recovers reliably.
Overview
Cryptocoryne wendtii is a herbaceous aquatic plant in the family Araceae, considered one of the most robust and adaptable members of the genus. It is widely available in the trade in several colour forms, including green, bronze and red.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne wendtii
Habitat
Endemic to Sri Lanka, where it occurs along streams and rivers; the popular Mi Oya form is named after the Sri Lankan river of the same name. The plant has also become naturalised in parts of Florida. Natural conditions feature soft to moderately hard water and partially shaded substrates.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich; benefits from root tabs
- Maximum height: about 20 cm
- Growth rate: slow
Placement
Used as a midground plant. Smaller varieties form low clumps suitable for borders, while taller forms can be placed between background stems and the foreground. Group several specimens together for a fuller look.
Propagation
Reproduces vegetatively by runners. Daughter plants emerge from the substrate around the mother plant; once they have several leaves and their own roots they can be carefully cut from the runner and replanted.
Common issues
Crypt melt, in which leaves dissolve after transplanting or sudden parameter changes, is normal for this genus. Leave the root system in place, maintain stable conditions and new leaves will regrow within a few weeks. Avoid frequent uprooting.