Cryptocoryne wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii · family Araceae
- Light
- Low
- CO₂
- Not required
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 °dGH
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Height
- up to 25 cm
- Placement
- Midground
- Root feeder
- Yes
Pros and cons
- Dozens of cultivars in colors from green to deep burgundy
- Needs no CO₂ or bright light
- Spreads via runners without any work from the keeper
- One of the least demanding midground species
- May shed all leaves after replanting ('crypt melt')
- Acclimation to a new tank takes 2–4 weeks
- Without nutrient substrate, stays small and loses color
Description
One of the least demanding cryptocorynes. Wide variety of leaf colors — green, brown, bronze, red.
The famous 'crypt melt' — a sudden shedding of leaves after replanting or a sharp parameter change. The rhizome usually survives and pushes out new leaves within 2–4 weeks.
Care
After planting
Don't relocate them unless necessary. Cryptocorynes resent being moved and often respond by dropping all their leaves.
FAQ
- Why did my cryptocoryne drop all its leaves?
- It's 'crypt melt' — a reaction to changing water parameters or replanting. Leave the rhizome where it is; new leaves will regrow in 2–4 weeks.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- Cryptocoryne wendtii — Tropica · Tropica · 2026-05-22