Traits.
Cryptocorynes grow best in non-brightly lit tanks. Too much light
encourages algae to coat their slow-growing leaves. They grow slowly but steadily.
Cryptocorynes hate being moved. Transplanting them stops their growth for
a long time. Potted crypts usually take the move to another tank in
stride.
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Pic
It takes nearly a year to grow a good stand of cryptocorynes.
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But once these little creepers catch on, they grow great.
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Pic
If you start out with potted cryptocorynes, you're a leg up on the
process.
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When kept with barbs, cichlids, and distochodus, expect to see some bites
out of them.
Enemies. Don’t bother adding cryptocorynes to cichlid tanks -- with a few
exceptions such as angels and dwarf cichlids. Avoid plant eaters
such as silver dollars and most plecos. Use fast-growing plants in
the same tank warily. Crypts will need fertilizer when kept with
well known fast growers. Frequent small amounts of fertilizer work
better than occasional big servings.
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You want to plant the cryptocoryne's crown (at the little finger) level with your substrate.
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Good substrate for slow-growing cryptocorynes.
Needs.
Cryptocorynes (and most rooted plants) root best in a smaller substrate
about the size of a b-b. Their roots and rhizomes grow right below
the surface and spread widely. Gravel vacuum cleaners will disturb
them greatly.
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Pic
Cryptocorynes reproduce from those tiny shoots starting from a long rhizome.
Reproduction. Not
many people will go to the effort to harvest cryptocoryne seeds. You need
to gradually lower the water level until the tiny blooms appear and get
fertilized. Nearly everyone grows new cryptocorynes via their rhizomes --
like irises.
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Pic
Cryptocoryne roots often spread much wider than their foliage.
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If you get a new cryptocoryne with a small root system, prune off most of its leaves.
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If left unplanted too long, cryptocorynes go bad. Those with white
roots usually recover.
Cryptocoryne Wilt.
Crypts hate floating in a tank unplanted. And sometimes just moving them
to another tank with different lighting and water conditions will make their
leaves wither and disintegrate. Plant the root base and take patience
lessons. Over time, crypts usually regrow.
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Cryptocoryne wenndti, green.
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Cryptocoryne wenndti, red.
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Slow-growing cryptocorynes can lose the battle to algae.
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Cryptocorynes take a prodigiously long time to grow, but they're worth it.
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C. cilia or chatae ?
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Slightly larger specimen with some African cichlids.
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You'll have better and faster results if you start with potted cryptocorynes.
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!0-gallon tank of red Cryptocoryne wenndti started about a year ago.
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Part of a 55 with green C. wenndti center right.
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More C. wenndti in same 55.
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Potted Cryptocoryne wenndti in a retail tank.
Last Words. You
can find several species of crypts. For darker tanks and dimly lit areas,
you’ll
find that cryptocorynes will do the job. Cryptocorynes are not a plant for
beginners. LA
© 2003,
© 2005 LA Productions

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