Crinum Calamistratum

Crinum calamistratum is an aquatic plant endemic to the rivers of Cameroon that grows from a bulb. Its leaves are very narrow (3–7 mm), dark green and densely crinkled along the edges, giving a "curly" look. In the aquarium they can grow between 50 cm and 1.5 m long; leaves that reach the surface lie on the water and sway with the current.

Thanks to their tough, thick structure, many plant-eating fish do not nibble these leaves; that makes it one of the few tall plants that can also be used in cichlid tanks. It grows very slowly, but once established it lives for years.

• Bury the bulb halfway so that its top and neck stay above the substrate; a fully buried bulb can rot.
• Its roots go deep; it needs at least 6 cm of substrate and root tabs.
• In tall aquariums, plant it in the background or in areas with flow near the filter outlet.
• In aquariums with fish that dig in the sand, protect the area around the bulb with stones.

• Light: Medium.
• CO₂: Not required, but speeds up growth.
• Fertilizer: A root tab every 2 months.
• Patience: It may produce only a few new leaves a year. Do not disturb the bulb and its roots often.
• Trimming: If necessary, cut very long leaves off at the base; leaves cut at the tip turn brown.

Over time, offset bulbs form next to the mother bulb. When these have produced a few leaves and roots, they can be carefully separated without damaging the mother bulb and planted elsewhere. Propagation is very slow.

• Bulb rot: planting too deep or a damaged bulb; remove a soft, foul-smelling bulb.
• No new leaves: nutrient-poor substrate or insufficient light; add root tabs.
• Algae on the leaf tips: cut old leaves lying at the surface off at the base.