Cryptocoryne moehlmannii

Also known as Moehlmann's crypt

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

Care at a glance

Light: Low light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
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 + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Family: Araceae
Origin: Sumatra, Indonesia

Overview

Cryptocoryne moehlmannii is one of the more robust and forgiving crypts, though it is uncommon in the hobby. It is an easy plant for the midground or foreground.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne moehlmannii is nearly a dead ringer for C. pontederiifolia. The only sure way to tell them apart is to flower them and check the color and collar of the hidden spathe.

Caring for Cryptocoryne moehlmannii

Plant Cryptocoryne moehlmannii in a nutrient-rich substrate, with the crown just above the surface. Give it a stable tank and leave it undisturbed to avoid melt.

It does well in low light without CO2. Stronger light and CO2 make it grow more compact, and added CO2 speeds it up. It takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer cover it. It suits 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

Growth is slow, and it reaches roughly 10 to 20 cm. It spreads by runners into a leafy clump. Cut a young plant free once it has roots and plant it elsewhere.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne moehlmannii, also called Moehlmann's crypt, is a valid species in the Araceae and a very close relative of C. pontederiifolia. Its spathe has a dark purple, twisted limb with a narrow, low collar. The spathe of C. pontederiifolia has a broad yellow or reddish limb with a wide, high collar. Its own leaves are light to olive green.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne moehlmannii is native to western Sumatra, Indonesia, where it grows in nutrient-rich boggy ground. It shares that range with C. pontederiifolia.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne moehlmannii 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 moehlmannii need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne moehlmannii need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne moehlmannii need root tabs?

They help. Cryptocoryne moehlmannii takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.