Water parameters
Temperature20–28°C
pH6.5–8
General hardness (GH)4–18 dGH
Recommended range
Overview
Cryptocoryne retrospiralis is among the narrowest-leaved crypts: its leaves are a few millimeters wide and 20–40 cm long. From a distance it resembles Vallisneria or a fine-leaved grass, but it grows much more slowly and does not spread across the surface. Its name comes from the backward-twisting tip of the spathe that surrounds the flower.
Planting and Placement
It is planted with the roots buried deep and the crown left exposed. Its roots are strong; it wants a substrate at least 5 cm thick, supported with root tabs. It is used in the background or behind roots and stones, in clumps of 4–5 plants.
Care and Fertilization
- Light: Medium.
- CO₂: Not required; if available, growth speeds up.
- Fertilizer: A root tab every 2–3 months.
- It adapts well to moderately hard water. The melting period after planting can last a few weeks; do not disturb the clump.
Propagation
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Common Problems
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Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
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Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026