TankBud

Cryptocoryne schulzei

Also known as Crypt schulzei

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne schulzei (Cryptocoryne schulzei)
Buce Plant · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
Max height
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
4.5–6.5
Hardness
0–6 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Araceae
Origin
Johor, Peninsular Malaysia, and eastern Sumatra

Overview

Cryptocoryne schulzei is a difficult midground crypt, and the Cryptocoryne literature says plainly that it is not well suited to the aquarium. Think hard before buying one.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne schulzei has been imported regularly from Johor for decades, but long-term cultivation of it remains rare. Individual successes get written up by name in the Cryptocoryne literature.

Caring for Cryptocoryne schulzei

Start Cryptocoryne schulzei emersed, in a pot of soft, acidic substrate under high humidity. Let the plant build reserves there before any attempt at a submersed transition. Buy tissue-cultured stock only.

In a tank, it needs soft, acidic, preferably tannin-stained water, with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. Give it dim light and complete stability. It grows without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster. It is a root feeder, so plant it in a rich substrate or push root tabs in near it.

Even with all of that, it often dwindles away. A plant that does settle grows slowly at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C). It spreads by runners, and the rhizome can be cut into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne schulzei is a water trumpet in the family Araceae, described by de Wit in 1971. It is named for Schulze, who collected the type material the year before. The leaves are marbled with fine transverse lines. The spathe has a broad limb, a dark brown throat and a pronounced collar.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne schulzei has a narrow range in Johor, at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, plus a single island off the east coast of Sumatra. It grows in a handful of small lowland streams and rivers alongside C. nurii, C. cordata and C. griffithii. Where the water flows, it produces narrower leaves. Over-collecting and changes in land use threaten the wild populations.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne schulzei 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 schulzei need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne schulzei need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne schulzei need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne schulzei 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 schulzei?

Cryptocoryne schulzei 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 schulzei grow?

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

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