Plants
Cryptocoryne balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae
Origin: Cryptocoryne balansae is found in Southeast Asia — Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China. It grows in limestone rivers with fast flow and hard water, which shapes its needs.
Also known as: Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae
Fact sheet
- Height
- 50 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Lighting
- Medium
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Placement
- Background
Overview
Cryptocoryne balansae is a striking background crypt with long narrow strap-like leaves with a pronounced blistered-crinkled surface. It gives the impression of an underwater 'grassy' fountain swaying in the current. Unlike many crypts it likes hard water and flow, and it is quite hardy and undemanding. It spreads by runners to form thickets. Like all crypts it may briefly 'melt' after a change of conditions.
Appearance
A rosette of long narrow strap-like leaves 1–2 cm wide with a strongly blistered (bullate) surface, green or olive-brown. Leaf length is 40–60 cm. The plant forms tall stands that sway in the flow. It produces runners with daughter rosettes.
Care
It likes hard water: 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, hard water, moderate to strong flow. Light is moderate; CO2 is optional. Nutrient-rich substrate is needed. The plant is undemanding and suits beginners where water is hard.
Fertilizing
It feeds mainly through roots: nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs matter. Liquid fertilisers supplement the diet.
Breeding
It propagates by runners with daughter rosettes, separated once rooted. It quickly forms thickets.
Fun facts
The blistered strap leaves make Cryptocoryne balansae a striking background plant. Unlike most crypts it likes hard water and flow. It belongs to the variable Cryptocoryne crispatula complex.