Cryptocoryne pygmaea

Also known as Cryptocoryne palawanensis, Dwarf crypt, Pygmy crypt

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne pygmaea (Cryptocoryne pygmaea) — Buce Plant · Used with permission

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: 5.5–8.0
Hardness: 3–18 dGH
Spread: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Family: Araceae
Origin: Philippines (Palawan, Busuanga, western Mindanao)

Overview

Cryptocoryne pygmaea is an easy, undemanding crypt suited to beginners. It works as a midground or specimen plant.

Did you know

Much of the plant sold as Cryptocoryne pygmaea in the hobby is now considered to be Cryptocoryne palawanensis, its closely related Philippine cousin.

Caring for Cryptocoryne pygmaea

Plant Cryptocoryne pygmaea in a nutrient-rich substrate, with the crown just above the surface, and give it room. Keep the parameters stable while it establishes.

Low light is enough for it. CO2 is not required, but it helps the plant establish and makes it grow faster. It takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer cover it.

It tolerates a wide range, from soft to quite hard water and a pH of 5.5 to 8, at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Growth is slow, and it spreads by runners and daughter plants. You can also cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne pygmaea was described by Elmer Drew Merrill and is also sold as dwarf crypt or pygmy crypt. Despite the pygmaea epithet, it is not a true dwarf and can reach a medium size in a well-run tank.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne pygmaea is endemic to the Philippines, on the islands of Palawan and Busuanga and in western Mindanao. It populates rivers and rivulets, often in hard water. It grows emersed as well as submersed, and sometimes in deeper water.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne pygmaea 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 pygmaea need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne pygmaea need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne pygmaea need root tabs?

They help. Cryptocoryne pygmaea 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 pygmaea?

Cryptocoryne pygmaea propagates by runners and rhizome division. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.