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Form of Cryptocoryne spiralis

Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger

Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Tiger'

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

Also known as Crypt spiralis Tiger

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Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger (Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Tiger')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Cryptocoryne spiralis

See all 4 →

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Cultivated selection of Cryptocoryne spiralis, native to southwest India

Overview

Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger is one of the easier patterned plants in the hobby, a ribbon-leaved crypt for the midground.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger keeps its tiger marks in a plain low-tech tank. Striped and banded aquarium plants almost all demand high light and CO2 to hold their pattern. Almost nothing else with patterned leaves offers that.

Caring for Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger

Plant Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger in a nutrient-rich substrate with root tabs, in the midground or background where the long ribbon leaves can arch. It is a root feeder, so the substrate does most of the feeding.

Medium light is enough, and it needs no added CO2. It suits 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 6 to 8. It grows at a moderate pace, and once settled it spreads by runners.

Expect classic crypt melt after planting or any big change in conditions. The leaves dissolve, then the plant regrows from its roots over a few weeks, so resist the urge to pull it. Cut new plants free from the runners once they have roots.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger is a trade selection of Cryptocoryne spiralis, a highly variable species in the family Araceae. It is prized for dark banding over olive to reddish-brown, ribbon-like leaves. The species name refers to the spirally twisted spathe of the flower. ADA carries the plant in its tissue culture line, which spread it well beyond specialist collections. Despite the striping, it is not Cryptocoryne striolata, a rarer Bornean species.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger is a selected form of Cryptocoryne spiralis, so its habitat story is the parent's. Spiralis grows in southwest India, in and along rivers, in marshes and even in rice fields. It grows submersed during the monsoon and is often emersed as the waters recede. The Tiger selection itself exists as cultivated stock.

Common questions

Is Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger a different species from Cryptocoryne spiralis?

No. Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger is a form of Cryptocoryne spiralis. It reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It wants medium light, where the species wants low. It also differs in hardness, growth rate, pH, placement, spread and temperature.

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger 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 Tiger need CO2?

No. Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger grows well without added CO2.

How much light does Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger 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 Tiger?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger grow?

Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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