Plants
Cryptocoryne petchii
Cryptocoryne beckettii var. petchii
Origin: Cryptocoryne petchii is endemic to Sri Lanka and close to Cryptocoryne beckettii. It grows along shaded riverbanks and streams. It is often treated as a variety of Cryptocoryne beckettii.
Also known as: Cryptocoryne beckettii var. petchii
Fact sheet
- Height
- 18 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Lighting
- Low
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Midground
Overview
Cryptocoryne petchii is a compact, hardy crypt with wavy lanceolate leaves in brownish-olive tones, a close relative of Cryptocoryne beckettii. It suits the midground, grows under low light without CO2, and in time forms a dense group. The strongly wavy leaf edge gives the rosette a picturesque look. Like all crypts it may shed leaves after transplanting, but then regrows from the rhizome. A good undemanding species for beginners.
Appearance
A rosette of petioled leaves: the blade is lanceolate with a pronounced wavy edge, 8–14 cm long. The top is olive or reddish-brown, the underside paler. Height is 10–18 cm. It produces runners with daughter rosettes.
Care
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. Once established it dislikes being moved.
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 group.
Fun facts
Cryptocoryne petchii is often treated as a variety of Cryptocoryne beckettii (var. petchii). The strongly wavy leaf edge is its characteristic trait. It is undemanding and well suited to beginners.