Plants
Cryptocoryne lutea
Cryptocoryne walkeri 'Lutea'
Origin: Cryptocoryne lutea is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it grows along shaded riverbanks and streams. It is now treated as the species Cryptocoryne walkeri; the old name lutea survives as a form name.
Also known as: Yellow crypt, Cryptocoryne walkeri 'Lutea'
Fact sheet
- Height
- 15 cm
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 5–7.5
- Lighting
- Low
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Midground, Foreground
Overview
Cryptocoryne lutea is a compact, hardy crypt with dense green leaves, one of the easiest for beginners. It forms neat dense stands in the mid- and foreground, grows under low light without CO2, and tolerates hard water well. The name 'lutea' (yellow) comes from the yellow spathe of its flower, which develops in emersed culture. Like all crypts it may 'melt' after transplanting, but then regrows from the rhizome.
Appearance
A rosette of petioled leaves: the blade is narrowly ovate-lanceolate with a smooth or slightly wavy edge, 8–12 cm long, rich green. Height is 10–15 cm. It forms dense groups via runners. Above water it produces a flower with a yellow spathe.
Care
Very undemanding: low to moderate light, 20–28 °C, pH 5.0–7.5, tolerates hard water too. CO2 is not required. Nutrient-rich substrate is needed. Too-bright light can cause pale, melting leaves.
Fertilizing
It feeds mainly through roots: nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs matter. Low-to-moderate nutrient demand.
Breeding
It propagates by runners with daughter rosettes, separated once rooted. It gradually forms a dense stand.
Fun facts
The yellow spathe of the emersed form's flower gives the species its name lutea ('yellow'). It is now regarded as a form of Cryptocoryne walkeri. It is one of the most undemanding crypts, ideal for beginners.