Cryptocoryne lucens

Also known as Lucens crypt, Cryptocoryne x willisii "lucens", Cryptocoryne willisii lucens

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersSide shoots

Cryptocoryne lucens (Cryptocoryne lucens) — Yercaud-elango · CC BY 4.0

Care at a glance

Light: Low light
CO2: No CO₂ needed
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: 2–15 dGH
Spread: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root feeder
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Family: Araceae
Origin: Sri Lanka

Overview

Cryptocoryne lucens is one of the smaller, easier crypts, with narrow, medium-green, lanceolate leaves around 15 to 20 cm long. It works as a foreground or midground plant.

Did you know

Because it is a hybrid, Cryptocoryne lucens almost never sets viable seed. Every plant in the hobby is essentially a clone, spread by runners and division rather than by sexual reproduction.

Caring for Cryptocoryne lucens

Plant Cryptocoryne lucens in a nutrient-rich substrate, with the roots buried and the crown just above the surface. Over time it forms a grass-like group. Leave it undisturbed once it is planted.

It is a low-light plant and needs no added CO2. It feeds heavily through its roots, so push root tabs in near it unless the substrate is already rich. It suits 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 7.5.

Expect crypt melt, with the leaves dissolving, after planting or any move. It grows back from the rootstock, so leave the plant in place. Growth is slow, and it spreads by runners and rosette offshoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne lucens is a naturally occurring hybrid, often listed as Cryptocoryne x willisii "lucens". Its parentage is tied to C. parva, C. walkeri and C. beckettii. It belongs to the family Araceae and produces the spathe-and-spadix inflorescence of the genus rather than a true flower.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne lucens is native to the central highlands of Sri Lanka around Kandy, where it grows on river banks. It lives submersed in flowing fresh water and emersed on damp margins when water levels drop, the typical seasonal pattern for the genus.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne lucens 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 lucens need CO2?

No. Cryptocoryne lucens grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Cryptocoryne lucens need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne lucens need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne lucens 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 lucens?

Cryptocoryne lucens 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.