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Form of Cryptocoryne wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii red

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Red'

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

Also known as Crypt wendtii red, Red wendtii, Wendt's water trumpet red

FreshwaterBrackishRosetteRunners

Cryptocoryne wendtii red (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Red')
"Cryptocoryne wendtii red" by kirsten.elise is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · by-sa

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
5.9 in
15 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
3–12 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Araceae
Origin
A reddish selection of the Sri Lankan water trumpet, from shaded streams and river margins that flood and recede with the seasons.

Overview

Cryptocoryne wendtii red is an easy rosette with reddish brown to bronze leaves. It forms a low, spreading clump that works well as a midground accent.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne wendtii red holds a reddish tone even in modest light. That makes it one of the easiest ways to add warm color to a low-tech tank.

Caring for Cryptocoryne wendtii red

Set the crown just above the substrate. It feeds through its roots, so push root tabs in near it or plant it in a nutrient-rich soil.

It grows in low light with no CO2, but a little more light deepens its color. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 7.5.

Growth is slow, and runners fill in a patch over time. Cut a daughter plant free once it has roots to start another clump. Expect some melt right after planting, which is normal while a crypt adjusts to new water.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne wendtii red gets its color from pigments the plant makes in response to light. The same clone can look olive green in shade and bronze red under a bright fixture. Like all Cryptocoryne it flowers through a spathe and belongs to the arum family, Araceae, alongside anubias and lagenandra.

In the wild

Like the rest of the wendtii group, Cryptocoryne wendtii red traces to shaded streams and river margins in Sri Lanka. Those waters flood and recede with the seasons, and the plant adapts to a wide span of water conditions.

Common questions

Is Cryptocoryne wendtii red a different species from Cryptocoryne wendtii?

No. Cryptocoryne wendtii red is a form of Cryptocoryne wendtii. It reaches about 5.9 in (15 cm), against 9.8 in (25 cm) for the species. It also differs in growth rate and spread.

Does Cryptocoryne wendtii red 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 red need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne wendtii red need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne wendtii red need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne wendtii red 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 red?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne wendtii red grow?

Cryptocoryne wendtii red grows to about 5.9 in (15 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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