Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii is the easiest and most common species of the genus aquarists call "crypts". It comes in forms with different colors and leaf textures, such as green, brown, red and 'Tropica'. It grows slowly, but once established it lives for years without problems and over time forms a dense clump.

It is planted in sand so that the roots are fully buried but the crown where the leaves emerge stays exposed. Because it feeds through its roots, a nutrient-rich substrate or a root tab (fertilizer tablet) buried next to the roots noticeably speeds up growth. It is used in the midground, or in the background in small aquariums. Once planted, it should not be moved often.

• Light: Low to medium. Red forms color up with more light.
• CO₂: Not required, but with it growth speeds up.
• Fertilizer: Root tabs every 2–3 months; liquid fertilizer is supportive.
• Water changes: It does not like sudden, large changes.

It multiplies on its own by runners spreading underground; young rosettes appear around the mother plant. When these have opened a few leaves, they can be separated with their roots and planted elsewhere.

• Crypt melt: in newly planted crypts or crypts whose water parameters change suddenly, the leaves turn translucent within a few days, rot and fall off. This is an adjustment reaction: if the roots are healthy, new leaves appear within a few weeks. Do not pull up the plant; remove the rotting leaves.
• Slow growth and paleness: nutrient-poor sand; add root tabs.
• Holes in the leaves: potassium deficiency or snails.