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Form of Cryptocoryne spiralis

Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari

Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Nari'

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

Also known as Nari Crypt, Cryptocoryne Nari

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

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

Forms · Cryptocoryne spiralis

See all 4 →

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Background
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
4–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Selected form of Cryptocoryne spiralis, native to India

Overview

Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari is a forgiving background crypt with a grass-like look. It is an easy plant, though a slow one.

Did you know

The plain species behind Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari is the original crypt. Cryptocoryne spiralis was described from India in the 18th century, before the genus existed, and later became its type species. Nari gave this very old aquarium plant a modern relaunch through the tissue culture trade.

Caring for Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari

Plant the rosettes of Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari in a nutrient-rich substrate, spaced a few centimeters apart, then leave them alone. Crypts resent being moved and may melt back after planting before regrowing.

Low light and no CO2 are enough. More light brings out the bronze to reddish tones in the leaves. It is a root feeder, so feed it with root tabs unless the substrate is already rich. It suits 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 8.

Growth is slow. It spreads by runners into loose stands whose twisted leaves sway in the current. Cut a young plant free once it has roots and plant it elsewhere.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari is a water trumpet in the family Araceae. Cryptocoryne means hidden club, for the spadix concealed inside the spathe, and spiralis refers to the twisted limb of that spathe. Nari is a horticultural selection with narrower, more strongly twisted tape leaves, and it has no botanical standing.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari is a selected form, and the wild plant is the plain species. Cryptocoryne spiralis comes from the Indian subcontinent, where it grows in seasonal streams, ditches and the margins of rice paddies. It grows submersed during the monsoon and is often emersed or resting as the water recedes.

Common questions

Is Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari a different species from Cryptocoryne spiralis?

No. Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari is a form of Cryptocoryne spiralis. It reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It also differs in growth rate, pH and temperature.

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari 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 Nari need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari 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 Nari?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari grow?

Cryptocoryne spiralis Nari grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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