At a glance
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Light: Low to moderate
- CO2: Optional
- Placement: Foreground to midground
- Growth: Slow to moderate
Planting and roots
Plant the roots into substrate while keeping the crown just above the surface. Cryptocoryne benefits from a nutritious root zone and does best when left undisturbed.
What is crypt melt?
Crypt melt is the loss of existing leaves after a move or a change in conditions. It can look alarming, but healthy roots may send new leaves once the plant adapts. Remove decaying leaves, keep the roots in place, and stabilize the tank.
Design ideas
Use Cryptocoryne to build a soft midground around stone, frame a path through an Iwagumi-inspired layout, or create dense cover in a community aquarium. Give each rosette room to widen.
Maintenance
Trim damaged leaves at the base and avoid repeatedly uprooting the plant. Moderate light, consistent nutrients, and patience usually produce the best result.
Compare Anubias, browse the plant database, or ask the local team.