Plants
Cryptocoryne purpurea
Cryptocoryne × purpurea
Origin: Cryptocoryne purpurea is a natural hybrid from the Malay Peninsula, arising from a cross of Cryptocoryne cordata and Cryptocoryne griffithii. It grows in shaded swamps and along streams.
Also known as: Cryptocoryne × purpurea
Fact sheet
- Height
- 28 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Lighting
- Medium
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Midground
Overview
Cryptocoryne purpurea is a beautiful but uncommon crypt with broad leaves whose underside and petioles are coloured in purple-violet tones. It is a natural hybrid, rarer in aquariums than its parent species and often substituted in trade by related cordata forms. It grows under moderate light without mandatory CO2, forming rosettes for the midground. Like all crypts it grows slowly, dislikes being moved, and may 'melt' under sudden changes of conditions.
Appearance
A rosette of petioled leaves: the blade is broadly ovate or cordate, 10–18 cm long. The top is olive-green, the underside and petioles purple-violet. Height is 20–30 cm. It produces runners with daughter rosettes.
Care
Moderate light, 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to medium-hard water. CO2 is optional but improves growth. Nutrient-rich substrate is needed. Once established it dislikes being moved; it grows slowly.
Fertilizing
It feeds mainly through roots: nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs matter. Iron supports the purple colour. Moderate nutrient demand.
Breeding
It propagates by runners with daughter rosettes, separated once rooted. As a hybrid it spreads slowly.
Fun facts
Cryptocoryne purpurea is a natural hybrid of C. cordata and C. griffithii from the Malay Peninsula. In trade, related cordata forms (such as siamensis) are often sold under this name. The purple leaf underside is its distinguishing trait.