TankBud

Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red

Cryptocoryne affinis 'Metallic Red'

Also known as Crypt affinis Metallic Red

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
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
2–12 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Araceae
Origin
Aquarium selection of Cryptocoryne affinis, native to Peninsular Malaysia

Overview

Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red is a red-leaved selection of Cryptocoryne affinis for the midground. It grows like the species and is rated medium in difficulty.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne affinis grows over limestone in the wild, so this is one red plant that colors up happily in hard tap water. Many red stems wash out in the same water.

Caring for Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red

Plant Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red as a group in the midground. Bury the roots, leave the crown just above the substrate, and do not move it once planted.

It tolerates low light, but medium light and steady feeding bring out the red. It is a root feeder, so use root tabs or a rich substrate. CO2 helps but is not required. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) with a pH of 6 to 7.5.

Growth is slow, to about 8 in (20 cm). It spreads by underground runners into a dense stand, and a runner plant can be cut free once it has roots.

Affinis is one of the crypts most prone to melting when conditions jump. Keep the parameters stable, and if it does melt, let it regrow from the roots.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red is a form of Cryptocoryne affinis, family Araceae, synonym Cryptocoryne haerteliana. Its leaves mature from green into red-brown with a metallic sheen, lighter longitudinal veins and a wine red underside. The shine comes from the silky, textured leaf surface typical of affinis. It is a hobbyist selection with no formal cultivar registration.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red is a color selection passed around in cultivation, not a wild population with its own locality. The species grows in Peninsular Malaysia, rooted in sand and gravel banks of quickly flowing, often limestone-fed streams. It usually grows in deep shade, emersed on the margins and submersed in the channel.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic 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 affinis Metallic Red need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic 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 affinis Metallic Red?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red grow?

Cryptocoryne affinis Metallic Red grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

Related plants