TankBud

Cryptocoryne affinis

Also known as Cryptocoryne haerteliana

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

Cryptocoryne affinis (Cryptocoryne affinis)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Araceae
Origin
Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand

Overview

Cryptocoryne affinis is a midground crypt, rated medium in difficulty and more demanding than most crypts.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne affinis was one of the very first Cryptocoryne species cultivated by hobbyists. Its reputation for dramatic 'crypt melt' is why the term became part of aquarium vocabulary.

Caring for Cryptocoryne affinis

Bury the roots of Cryptocoryne affinis and leave the crown just above a nutrient-rich substrate, then add root tabs. It wants a matured, stable tank.

Low light is enough, and injected CO2 is optional but speeds growth. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so pair the root tabs with a liquid fertilizer. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) with a pH of 6 to 7.5.

It grows at a medium pace to a height of 15 to 30 cm, or up to 11.8 in. It spreads by runners into a dense stand, and you can cut a runner plant free once it has roots.

It sulks and melts if conditions swing, and sudden shifts in water chemistry can make it drop all its leaves. Avoid replanting it once settled, and expect a melt-and-recover cycle after any move.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne affinis is a valid, long-recognized species in the family Araceae, also known by the synonym Cryptocoryne haerteliana. Submersed, it develops long green leaves with a silvery or dark red-violet underside. That underside is a reliable field character separating it from many green-backed relatives.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne affinis grows along streams and rivers in Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. It is often found in flowing forest water.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne affinis 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 affinis need CO2?

No, but it helps. Cryptocoryne affinis can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Cryptocoryne affinis need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne affinis need root tabs?

They help. Cryptocoryne affinis takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Cryptocoryne affinis?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne affinis grow?

Cryptocoryne affinis grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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