Cryptocoryne Wendtii Florida Sunset care guide
Cryptocoryne Wendtii Florida Sunset (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Florida Sunset') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Cryptocoryne Wendtii Florida Sunset (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Florida Sunset') is a broad-leaved plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Striking variegated cultivar with creamy yellow veining on green leaves. Slow growing and slightly more demanding than other wendtii forms; benefits from rich substrate and stable conditions for full color.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Florida Sunset'
- Common synonyms: Crypt Florida Sunset
Habitat
Cryptocoryne species inhabit slow-flowing forest streams, peat-swamp creeks and seasonally flooded lowlands across South and South-East Asia. Most grow rooted in soft mineral or organic sediments under partial shade. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Sri Lanka.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 4-14 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 25 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the midground. It is planted into a nutrient-rich substrate; emersed-grown stock often melts after submersion and regrows submersed leaves within weeks. Stable parameters minimise repeated melt.
Propagation
This species is spreads vegetatively by runners that form daughter plants on the substrate; clumps are divided once the colony has filled the area.
Common issues
Sudden parameter shifts, particularly temperature drops or large water changes, trigger so-called Crypt melt in which existing leaves dissolve while the rhizome regrows new ones; stable conditions prevent repeat events.