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Cryptocoryne albida

Also known as Cryptocoryne crispatula var. albida

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

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

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
70–82°F
21–28°C
Max height
7.1 in
18 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.8
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Southern Myanmar and Thailand

Overview

Cryptocoryne albida is an easy midground crypt with slim, strap-like leaves 1 to 3 cm wide and up to 15 cm long.

Did you know

The brown 'costata' and green 'albida' forms of Cryptocoryne albida were sold as separate plants for decades. They turned out to be the same species, with leaf color driven mostly by light and growing conditions rather than genetics.

Caring for Cryptocoryne albida

Plant several Cryptocoryne albida together, because a single plant looks sparse. Bury the roots in a rich substrate and leave the crown just above it.

It grows in almost any conditions, even very low light, though slowly. Brighter light brings out red-brown color and dark markings on the leaves. Injected CO2 is optional and speeds growth. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so use root tabs as well as a liquid fertilizer.

It grows slowly to about 7 in (18 cm) and sends out runners to form a stand over time. Cut a runner plant free once it has roots and plant it on its own. Keep it at 70 to 82°F (21 to 28°C), and keep the water stable to help it avoid melt.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne albida was described by Richard Neville Parker from Burma in 1931. The name Cryptocoryne costata, described by Gagnepain from Siam in 1941, was later found indistinguishable and is now a synonym. Some authorities place it as Cryptocoryne crispatula var. albida. Intermediate forms between the brown and green plants occur in the same wild populations.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne albida is a narrow-leaved, fairly small crypt of flowing waters in southern Myanmar and Thailand. It grows in and along streams, often emersed on the banks during the dry season and submersed when the water rises.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne albida 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 albida need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne albida need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne albida need root tabs?

They help. Cryptocoryne albida 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 albida?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne albida grow?

Cryptocoryne albida grows to about 7.1 in (18 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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