TankBud

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia

Also known as Water trumpet, Crypt pontederiifolia

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia (Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia)
(c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by

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
3–15 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
West Sumatra, Indonesia

Overview

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia is one of the easier crypts and a slow-growing rosette for the midground.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia copes with occasional brackish influence better than most crypts. That toughness is part of why it rarely melts when moved between tanks, unlike most of the genus.

Caring for Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia

Plant Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia in a nutrient-rich substrate, with the crown just above the surface. Then leave it alone while it settles.

Low light is enough, and it produces taller, greener leaves. Brighter light keeps the plant compact and can bring out a reddish tint on the leaf undersides. CO2 is not needed, but it speeds establishment. It is a root feeder, so push root tabs in near it.

It tolerates soft to hard water and a pH of 6 to 7.5, at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Growth is slow, and it spreads by runners into a dense clump. Cut a young plant free once it has roots.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia was described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott and named for its resemblance to Pontederia, the pickerelweed. It belongs to the group of tidal-zone crypts and is sometimes sold simply as water trumpet.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia is a bog plant known only from the northernmost part of the west coast of Sumatra. It grows in the freshwater tidal zone alongside the nipa palm, Nypa fruticans. It has been introduced to Singapore, where it colonizes swampy ground along forest rivers. In the wild it lives emersed or submersed depending on the water level.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia 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 pontederiifolia need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia 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 pontederiifolia?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia grow?

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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