TankBud

Cryptocoryne beckettii

Also known as Beckett's water trumpet, Beckett's cryptocoryne

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Invasive. Has escaped and naturalized in some US rivers (Texas, Florida) and is treated as high-risk. Never release into the wild; dispose of in the trash.

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

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
Max height
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
4–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Sri Lanka

Overview

Cryptocoryne beckettii is a slow-growing midground rosette and one of the easiest crypts in the hobby.

Did you know

Aquarium-grown Cryptocoryne beckettii has escaped into the San Marcos River in Texas and a site in Florida. There it forms bank-to-bank colonies that crowd out native plants. It carries a USDA High Risk weed rating and has prompted eradication efforts.

Caring for Cryptocoryne beckettii

Plant Cryptocoryne beckettii with the roots buried and the crown above the soil. It stays compact, so it works in front of taller stems or to one side of the midground.

It is a tough low-light plant that tolerates a wide hardness range, a GH of 4 to 18. Injected CO2 is optional and speeds growth. Feed it through the roots with tabs or a rich substrate, and keep it at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C).

Expect a round of crypt melt after planting or any sudden change in water chemistry or lighting. It recovers from the rhizome and slowly fills in by runners. Cut runner plants free once they root, or divide the rhizome. Never release it or dump tank trimmings into waterways.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne beckettii Thwaites ex Trimen is the accepted name, and it sits in the wendtii and beckettii species complex. It is an aroid with the hooded spathe typical of the genus. The trade form 'Petchii' is widely sold under the older name Cryptocoryne petchii, now generally treated as part of this species. It is also called Beckett's water trumpet.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne beckettii is native to Sri Lanka, where it grows on shaded banks of slow streams and rivers. It lives emersed at the margins and fully submersed when the water rises. It forms compact rosettes of slightly wavy leaves, olive to brown on top with a violet to reddish underside. The 'Petchii' trade form is a smaller, more colorful selection.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne beckettii 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 beckettii need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne beckettii need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne beckettii need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne beckettii 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 beckettii?

Cryptocoryne beckettii propagates by runners and rhizome division. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Cryptocoryne beckettii grow?

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

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