TankBud

Cryptocoryne nurii

Also known as Cryptocoryne nurii var. raubensis, Rosen Maiden, Rose Maiden, Crypt nurii

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

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

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Araceae
Origin
Peninsular Malaysia

Overview

Cryptocoryne nurii is a patterned collector crypt for the midground. It is a plant of medium difficulty, and how easy it is depends on the variety you buy.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne nurii var. raubensis 'Rosen Maiden' is one of the toughest patterned crypts you can buy, while the peat-swamp type of the species is fussy. The name on the label really matters.

Caring for Cryptocoryne nurii

Plant Cryptocoryne nurii in a rich substrate, with the crown just above the surface. Keep the parameters stable while it settles. Once settled, it spreads by runners, and you can cut a young plant free once it has roots.

Give it medium light, which develops the vein pattern. CO2 is optional, but it improves color and pace. It takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves, so add a liquid fertilizer alongside root tabs.

Match the water to the variety on the label. Var. raubensis and Rosen Maiden plants take harder, near-neutral water, while true var. nurii wants soft, acidic conditions. It suits 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and grows at a moderate pace.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne nurii was described by Caetano Xavier Furtado and first collected in Malaysia around 1970. It sits in the nurii group and is prized for its patterned submerged leaves. Pale pink to whitish veins and dark transverse bars run over an olive to reddish-brown ground. The Rosen Maiden cultivar of var. raubensis, also sold as Rose Maiden, has intensified pink venation.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne nurii is native to Peninsular Malaysia. The type variety, var. nurii, grows in soft, acidic, low-lime waters such as peat swamp forests. Var. raubensis comes from the Raub district of Pahang, in shallow rivers over limestone bedrock with harder water. Both are found emersed on shaded banks and submersed.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne nurii 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 nurii need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne nurii need?

Cryptocoryne nurii wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Cryptocoryne nurii need root tabs?

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

How do you propagate Cryptocoryne nurii?

Cryptocoryne nurii propagates by runners. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.

How tall does Cryptocoryne nurii grow?

Cryptocoryne nurii grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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