Cryptocoryne Wendtii Mi Oya care guide
Cryptocoryne Wendtii Mi Oya (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Mi Oya') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Cryptocoryne Wendtii Mi Oya (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Mi Oya') is a broad-leaved plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Locale form named after the Mi Oya river in Sri Lanka with reddish-brown bullate leaves. Tolerant and reliable midground plant that intensifies in color with stronger lighting and quality substrate.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Cryptocoryne
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Mi Oya'
- Common synonyms: Crypt Mi Oya
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.