Cryptocoryne balansae is a tall background crypt with rippled, hammered, strap-like leaves. It fills the rear of a tank with a flowing curtain of green, and it is an easy plant in harder water.
Did you know
In its limestone-stream home, the leaves of Cryptocoryne balansae can grow close to a meter long and trail in the current like ribbons. In an aquarium it usually reaches about half a meter.
Caring for Cryptocoryne balansae
Plant Cryptocoryne balansae in a rich substrate, with the roots buried and the crown just above the surface. Give it 18 inches or more of water depth so the straps have room. Leave it planted, since it melts and sulks when moved.
Give it medium light. It grows without injected CO2, but it grows faster and fuller with it. It feeds through both its roots and its leaves, so pair root tabs or a rich substrate with a liquid fertilizer. It suits 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).
It does best in harder water, and calcium matters. Low calcium makes the new leaves come in twisted and deformed, so a moderately hard tank or a calcium supplement helps.
It grows at a moderate pace and spreads outward by runners and side shoots. Cut a new plant free once it has roots, or take a side shoot once it has a few leaves.
Good to know
Cryptocoryne balansae is the band-leaved variety of the widespread, variable Cryptocoryne crispatula complex, formally Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae. It was once described as its own species, C. balansae, and the name Cryptocoryne longispatha also points to it. It belongs to the Araceae and is one of the larger crypts.
In the wild
Cryptocoryne balansae is found in rivers and rivulets of southern Thailand, within a crispatula complex that ranges across mainland Southeast Asia. It forms dense, mostly submersed stands there. The streams are often fast-flowing and high in calcium from the surrounding limestone, so the wild water is hard and alkaline. When water levels drop, exposed plants grow emersed and flower.
Common questions
Is Cryptocoryne balansae a different species from Cryptocoryne crispatula?
No. Cryptocoryne balansae is a form of Cryptocoryne crispatula. It reaches about 19.7 in (50 cm), against 23.6 in (60 cm) for the species. It also differs in hardness and pH.
Does Cryptocoryne balansae 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 balansae need CO2?
No, but it helps. Cryptocoryne balansae can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Cryptocoryne balansae need?
Cryptocoryne balansae wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does Cryptocoryne balansae need root tabs?
They help. Cryptocoryne balansae 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 balansae?
Cryptocoryne balansae propagates by runners and side shoots. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.
How tall does Cryptocoryne balansae grow?
Cryptocoryne balansae grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
Low lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Low lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightBackground23.6 in (60 cm)
Low lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)
Medium lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)
Low lightBackground13.8 in (35 cm)