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Form of Cryptocoryne spiralis

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red

Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Red'

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

Also known as Red spiralis, Crypt spiralis Red

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red (Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Red')
Vitro Culture · Used with permission

Forms · Cryptocoryne spiralis

See all 4 →

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–86°F
20–30°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Background
Type
Rosette
pH
5.0–8.0
Hardness
4–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Cultivated (selection of the Indian Cryptocoryne spiralis)

Overview

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red is an easy crypt for the midground to background. Unlike most crypts, it makes a tall vertical accent rather than a low rosette.

Did you know

Every Cryptocoryne in the hobby hangs taxonomically off Cryptocoryne spiralis, the type species of the genus. The Red form on a shop shelf is a selection of the plant that defines what a crypt is.

Caring for Cryptocoryne spiralis Red

Plant Cryptocoryne spiralis Red as a single tuft, with the crown just above the surface, and then leave it alone. Like all crypts, it resents disturbance, and a move or a sharp change in water conditions can trigger crypt melt. The rootstock almost always regrows if you leave it in place.

Medium light is enough to grow it, and a bit more light with CO2 deepens the red. It grows without injected CO2, though added CO2 makes it grow faster. It feeds heavily through the roots, so give it a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. It suits 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C) and a pH of 5 to 8.

It grows at a moderate pace and spreads by runners. Separate a runner plant and replant it once it has a few leaves. You can also divide the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red is a selection of a species in the family Araceae. The epithet spiralis refers to the spirally twisted spathe of its flower. The Red selection keeps the species' narrow, slightly twisted, upright leaves but colors them red-brown to deep red. Tropica distributes it as in-vitro culture, and Dennerle sells it as a potted plant.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red is a cultivated selection of an Indian species of rice paddies, irrigation ditches and seasonal wetlands. The species spends the dry months emersed or dormant in wet ground. It grows fully submersed when the fields and streams flood.

Common questions

Is Cryptocoryne spiralis Red a different species from Cryptocoryne spiralis?

No. Cryptocoryne spiralis Red is a form of Cryptocoryne spiralis. It reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It wants medium light, where the species wants low. Added CO2 helps it, while the species grows well without. It also differs in pH and temperature.

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Red 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 Red need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne spiralis Red need?

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Red need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne spiralis Red 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 Red?

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red 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 Red grow?

Cryptocoryne spiralis Red grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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