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Form of Cryptocoryne spiralis

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala

Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Jwala'

One of 4 forms of Cryptocoryne spiralis · See all forms →

Also known as Crypt spiralis Jwala, Cryptocoryne Jwala

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala (Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Jwala')
Buce Plant · Used with permission

Forms · Cryptocoryne spiralis

See all 4 →

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
9.8 in
25 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
4–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Cultivated selection from India (Sreepadma farm; parent species native to India)

Overview

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala is an easy crypt for the midground once it settles. It is a slow grower.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala reached Western shops around 2024 through the Sreepadma GroWoW tissue culture line. It was part of a small wave of Indian-farmed crypt selections named in Hindi rather than Latin.

Caring for Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala

Plant Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala in a nutrient-rich substrate, with the crown just above the surface, then leave it alone. Crypts resent being moved, and replanting or sudden parameter swings can trigger crypt melt.

Low light is enough to keep it, and it needs no added CO2. Moderate light brings out the bronze and reddish tones and a denser rosette. It is mainly a root feeder, so push root tabs in near it unless the substrate is rich. It suits 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

Growth is slow, and it spreads by runners. Split daughters off once they carry a few leaves. The rhizome can also be cut into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala is a water trumpet in the family Araceae. It is sold under Cryptocoryne spiralis, but that placement is trade convention rather than a published determination. Jwala is the Hindi word for flame, after the narrow, twisted leaves that rise like licks of fire. The spiral twist that names the parent species is exaggerated in this form.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala is a cultivated selection from the Sreepadma farm in Kerala, India, not a documented wild population. Its parent, Cryptocoryne spiralis, grows across India in seasonally flooded paddies, ditches and riverbanks. The parent grows emersed in the dry months and submersed during the monsoon.

Common questions

Is Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala a different species from Cryptocoryne spiralis?

No. Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala is a form of Cryptocoryne spiralis. It reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It also differs in growth rate and placement.

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala 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 spiralis Jwala need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala 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 spiralis Jwala?

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala 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 spiralis Jwala grow?

Cryptocoryne spiralis Jwala grows to about 9.8 in (25 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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