Plants
Cryptocoryne nevillii
Cryptocoryne × willisii 'nevillii'
Origin: The plant known in the hobby as Cryptocoryne nevillii belongs to the hybrid complex Cryptocoryne × willisii from the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The true botanical species C. nevillii is a different plant, almost never seen in aquariums.
Also known as: Cryptocoryne × willisii 'nevillii'
Fact sheet
- Height
- 12 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Lighting
- Low
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Foreground, Midground
Overview
Cryptocoryne nevillii is a miniature hardy crypt with narrow green leaves that in time forms a dense low 'lawn' via runners. It is one of the smallest and most undemanding crypts, suited to the fore- and midground. It grows under low light without CO2, but slowly, so it needs patience. Under the trade name 'nevillii' the hybrid Cryptocoryne × willisii is usually sold rather than the true botanical species. It is well suited to beginners.
Appearance
A rosette of narrow lanceolate-linear green leaves on short petioles, 5–10 cm long. Height is 7–15 cm. It forms dense low stands and almost a lawn via numerous runners. The leaves are narrower and shorter than in large crypts.
Care
Undemanding: low to moderate light, 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, a wide hardness range. CO2 is not required but speeds growth and density. Nutrient-rich substrate is needed. It grows slowly — a lawn takes time.
Fertilizing
It feeds mainly through roots: nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs matter. Low nutrient demand.
Breeding
It propagates by runners with daughter rosettes to form a dense carpet. Rooted runners are separated and replanted.
Fun facts
Under the name 'nevillii' the hybrid complex Cryptocoryne × willisii is usually sold rather than the true species C. nevillii. The plant is often confused with Cryptocoryne parva. When well established it forms a lawn, rare among crypts.