Plants

Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia

IntermediateFreshwater

Origin: Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia is endemic to the Philippines, where it grows in limestone rivers with fast flow and hard water. It is one of the largest cryptocorynes.

Also known as: Aponogeton-leaf crypt, Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia

Fact sheet

Height: 60 cm
Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 6.5–8
Lighting: Medium
CO₂: Not needed
Growth rate: Medium
Placement: Background

Overview

Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia is a large, striking crypt with long wavy, bullate (blistered) leaves resembling those of Aponogeton, hence the name. It forms powerful rosettes for the background of large aquariums. Unlike many delicate crypts, this species likes hard water and flow and is quite hardy. It spreads by runners, eventually forming thickets. Like all crypts it may 'melt' after transplanting or sudden changes, but then regrows.

Appearance

A rosette of long strap-like leaves with a characteristic blistered-crinkled (bullate) surface, dark green. Leaf length is 40–60 cm or more. The plant is large and forms powerful stands. It roots and produces runners with daughter rosettes.

Care

It likes hard water: 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, hard water, moderate flow. Light is moderate; CO2 is not required but improves growth. Nutrient-rich substrate is needed. It tolerates moves less well than small crypts because of its size.

Fertilizing

It feeds mainly through roots: nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs matter. Liquid fertilisers supplement. Moderate nutrient demand.

Breeding

It propagates by runners with daughter rosettes, separated once rooted. It gradually spreads into thickets.

Fun facts

It is one of the largest cryptocorynes — its leaves resemble those of Aponogeton. Unlike many crypts it prefers hard water and flow. Endemic to the Philippines, in nature it grows in limestone rivers.