Plants
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Origin: Cryptocoryne beckettii is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it grows along banks and in the shallows of rivers and streams in shade. It has long been widely used in the hobby as an undemanding species.
Also known as: Beckett's crypt, Cryptocoryne beckettii
Fact sheet
- Height
- 15 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Lighting
- Low
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Midground
Overview
Cryptocoryne beckettii is a compact, hardy midground crypt with wavy leaves in olive-brown tones. It is one of the easiest crypts, suitable for beginners: it grows under low light without CO2 and in time forms a dense group via runners. The leaf underside is often reddish-brown, giving a pleasant contrast. Like all crypts, it may shed its leaves ('crypt melt') after transplanting, but then regrows from the rhizome.
Appearance
A rosette of petioled leaves: the blade is lanceolate-oval with a wavy edge, 10–15 cm long. The top is olive or brown-green, the underside often reddish-brown. Height is 10–20 cm. It produces runners with daughter rosettes to form a stand.
Care
Very undemanding: low to moderate light, 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, a wide hardness range. CO2 is not required. Nutrient-rich substrate is needed. It dislikes frequent moving — once established it spreads on its own.
Fertilizing
It feeds mainly through roots: nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs matter. Liquid fertilisers supplement. Low-to-moderate nutrient demand.
Breeding
It propagates by runners with daughter rosettes, separated once rooted. It gradually forms a dense group.
Fun facts
Cryptocoryne beckettii is one of the easiest crypts for beginners. The reddish-brown leaf underside gives a striking contrast. Under a sudden parameter change it may 'melt' but recovers from the rhizome.