Plants
Dwarf Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne parva
Origin: Cryptocoryne parva is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it grows along mountain streams. It is the smallest of the crypts seen in the hobby.
Also known as: Cryptocoryne parva
Fact sheet
- Height
- 7 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Lighting
- Medium
- CO₂
- Recommended
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Foreground
Overview
Cryptocoryne parva is the smallest crypt, forming miniature rosettes of short narrow leaves only a few centimetres tall. It is the only crypt truly suitable for the foreground and for a low 'lawn'. It grows very slowly and needs patience: unlike most crypts it likes brighter light and responds well to CO2. Once established, though, it is hardy and stable. It forms dense groups by division and runners.
Appearance
Miniature rosettes of short narrow lanceolate-linear leaves 3–6 cm long, rich green. Height is only 3–7 cm. It forms dense low stands. It is the smallest-leaved crypt in cultivation.
Care
It needs moderate to strong light (more than most crypts), 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5. CO2 is recommended for dense growth. Nutrient-rich substrate is needed. It grows very slowly — a lawn takes a long time to form.
Fertilizing
It feeds mainly through roots: nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs matter. CO2 and micronutrients improve density. Moderate nutrient demand given its small size.
Breeding
It propagates by dividing the stand and by runners with daughter rosettes. For a lawn it is planted in small clumps and left to spread slowly.
Fun facts
Parva is the only crypt suitable for a true foreground and lawn. It is the smallest crypt in the hobby. Unlike most relatives it prefers brighter light.