Cryptocoryne moehlmannii

Also known as Moehlmann's crypt

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

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: 2–15 dGH
Max height: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Spread: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Origin: Sumatra, Indonesia
Family: Araceae

Overview

One of the more robust and forgiving crypts despite being uncommon in the hobby, reaching roughly 10 to 20 cm for the midground or foreground. It does well in low light without CO2, though it appreciates a nutrient-rich substrate and grows more compact under stronger light and CO2. As with all crypts, give it a stable tank and leave it undisturbed to avoid melt.

In the wild

Native to western Sumatra, Indonesia, where it grows in nutrient-rich boggy ground and shares its range with the close relative Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia. It carries light to olive green leaves and suits midground to foreground positions. It spreads by runners into a leafy clump.

Good to know

A valid species in the Araceae, very closely related to and easily confused with Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia, which shares its Sumatran range. The two are separated by the spathe: C. moehlmannii has a dark purple, twisted spathe limb with a narrow, low collar, while C. pontederiifolia has a broad yellow or reddish limb with a wide, high collar. The spathe is the reliable identifying feature for the group.

Did you know

Did you know Cryptocoryne moehlmannii is nearly a dead ringer for C. pontederiifolia and the only sure way to tell them apart is to flower them, since the two are separated by the colour and collar of their hidden spathe.