TankBud

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis

Also known as Retrospiralis crypt, Cryptocoryne roxburghiana, Cryptocoryne dalzellii

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

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

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Background
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
India

Overview

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis is a tall background crypt whose long, narrow, spiraled leaves give a vertical, flowing look. It suits taller tanks and is impressively easy for its height.

Did you know

The species name retrospiralis refers to the leaves twisting back on themselves in a corkscrew. The twist becomes more pronounced as the plant matures and the leaves lengthen toward half a meter.

Caring for Cryptocoryne retrospiralis

Plant Cryptocoryne retrospiralis in a nutrient-rich substrate, such as aquasoil or sand with root tabs. Give the roots a couple of inches of depth, and leave the plant in place once it is planted.

Low light is enough, and more light speeds it up. It needs no added CO2. It takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves, so add a liquid fertilizer alongside the root tabs. It suits 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 8.

Expect leaf melt when it is first introduced, which is normal acclimation. It grows back afterward and slowly spreads by runners. You can also divide the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis was described long ago by Roxburgh and later placed in Cryptocoryne by Kunth. It carries a string of old synonyms, including Cryptocoryne roxburghiana and C. dalzellii. It sits in the Araceae and is closely allied to the crispatula group.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis is native to the west coast of India and east into Myanmar. It grows in streams and slow rivers in lowland forest, in seasonally inundated pools and on riverbanks that are only submerged at high water. It moves between submersed and emersed life as the water rises and falls through the year.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne retrospiralis 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 retrospiralis need CO2?

No. Cryptocoryne retrospiralis grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Cryptocoryne retrospiralis need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne retrospiralis need root tabs?

They help. Cryptocoryne retrospiralis 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 retrospiralis?

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis 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.

How tall does Cryptocoryne retrospiralis grow?

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

Related plants