Cryptocoryne cordata
Cryptocoryne cordata
Also known as Cryptocoryne cordata Griff., Cryptocoryne cordata var. siamensis, Cryptocoryne blassii, Cryptocoryne siamensis, Rosanervig
Care at a glance
- Light
- Low light
- CO2
- CO₂ beneficial
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Midground
- Type
- Rosette
- Temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- Max height
- 9.8 in (25 cm)
- Spread
- 5.9 in (15 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Root + water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Origin
- Malay Peninsula and Thailand
- Family
- Araceae
Overview
An undemanding slow grower with attractive ruffled, spear-shaped leaves that range from green to bronze and reddish. It prefers low to medium light, matching its shaded stream habitat, and a nutrient-rich substrate with root tabs. Plant it and give it time to settle before expecting new growth, then it slowly spreads by runners. Stable water reduces the risk of crypt melt.
In the wild
A widespread species complex from Southeast Asia. Typical Cryptocoryne cordata grows in acidic, soft waters of the Malay Peninsula, while var. siamensis occurs in shaded, calcareous flowing waters of southern Thailand. It lives in slow streams, shaded riverbanks, and swampy ground, often emersed during dry periods.
Good to know
Described by William Griffith. It is a large species complex with several named varieties (cordata, siamensis, diderici, grabowskii) that differ in leaf shape, color, and water chemistry. The old aquarium name Cryptocoryne blassii refers to this species. Many trade plants sold simply as 'cordata' are actually var. siamensis.
Did you know
The soft-acid-water Malayan form and the hard-water Thai var. siamensis are the same species living in completely opposite water chemistry, which is why so many hobbyists get confused about whether 'cordata' wants soft or hard water.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Glass Aqua Aquascaping plants and planted tank supplies
- Buce Plant Aquatic plants and aquascaping supplies
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Low-light plants · Midground plants · Cryptocoryne · Beginner plants
Growing Cryptocoryne cordata?
Track your planted tank, set reminders and plan your layout.
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