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Form of Cryptocoryne wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii green

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green'

One of 9 forms of Cryptocoryne wendtii · See all forms →

Also known as Crypt wendtii green, Green wendtii, Wendt's water trumpet green

FreshwaterBrackishRosetteRunners

Cryptocoryne wendtii green (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green')
Tommy Kronkvist · CC BY 3.0

Forms · Cryptocoryne wendtii

See all 9 →

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
3–12 dGH
Spread
7.1 in (18 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Araceae
Origin
Native to shaded, slow moving streams and riverbanks on the island of Sri Lanka, where it roots in soft substrate under forest cover.

Overview

Cryptocoryne wendtii green is the plain green selection of wendtii, with broad, slightly puckered leaves. It is a slow, beginner rosette for the midground.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne wendtii varies so much in the wild that most of its aquarium forms are selected clones. They are not distinct botanical varieties.

Caring for Cryptocoryne wendtii green

Plant the crown just above the substrate so the base does not rot. It feeds mainly through its roots, and a nutrient-rich substrate with root tabs speeds it along.

Cryptocoryne wendtii green grows in low light and needs no CO2. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 7.5. Growth is slow, and it spreads on its own through short runners. Cut a runner plant free once it has roots to start a new clump.

Newly planted crypts often melt back to the roots after a move. Changes in water chemistry or light trigger this sudden leaf loss. Leave the rootstock in place, because the rhizome usually survives and resprouts fresh submersed leaves within a few weeks.

Good to know

Like all Cryptocoryne, it carries its flowers inside a specialized sheath called a spathe rather than an open bloom. Species are often told apart by that structure. It belongs to the family Araceae.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne wendtii is native to shaded, slow-moving streams and riverbanks in Sri Lanka, where it roots in soft substrate under forest cover. Those streams swing between full flood in the wet season and damp banks when the water drops. That flexibility is why it settles into almost any aquarium.

Common questions

Is Cryptocoryne wendtii green a different species from Cryptocoryne wendtii?

No. Cryptocoryne wendtii green is a form of Cryptocoryne wendtii. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 9.8 in (25 cm) for the species. It also differs in growth rate and spread.

Does Cryptocoryne wendtii green need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Bury the roots and leave the crown, where the leaves join, just above the substrate.

Does Cryptocoryne wendtii green need CO2?

No. Cryptocoryne wendtii green grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Cryptocoryne wendtii green need?

Cryptocoryne wendtii green is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Cryptocoryne wendtii green need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne wendtii green draws much of its food through its roots. Push root tabs in near it, or grow it in a nutrient-rich soil.

How do you propagate Cryptocoryne wendtii green?

Cryptocoryne wendtii green propagates by runners. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.

How tall does Cryptocoryne wendtii green grow?

Cryptocoryne wendtii green grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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