Cryptocoryne striolata
Cryptocoryne striolata
Also known as Striped crypt, Cryptocoryne striolata 'Tiger'
Care at a glance
- Light
- Medium light
- CO2
- CO₂ beneficial
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Midground
- Type
- Rosette
- Temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Max height
- 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Spread
- 4.7 in (12 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Root + water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Origin
- Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia)
- Family
- Araceae
Overview
A prized collector crypt that is genuinely hard to keep, widely regarded as nearly impossible to grow long term submersed and tricky even emersed. Success needs stable soft to slightly hard water, gentle flow mimicking its stream habitat, a nutrient-rich substrate, and a lot of patience. It grows slowly and resents disturbance, so it is not a plant for beginners or new tanks.
In the wild
Widespread in Borneo and concentrated in Sarawak, this is a rheophyte of shallow, fast-flowing streams, growing on rocks along the riverbed and on submerged tree roots. It is found in peat bogs as well as on limestone, so it tolerates both soft acidic and harder water. Leaves vary enormously between populations, from green and even to dark, almost black bullate leaves with distinct striping.
Good to know
A valid species in the Araceae, notable for a chromosome count of 2n=20 shared with only two other Bornean crypts, which points to a distinct genetic lineage. The species epithet striolata refers to the fine striping seen on many forms. Leaf form and colour are so variable that a single imported plant may show green older leaves and much darker new growth.
Did you know
Did you know Cryptocoryne striolata clings to rocks and submerged roots in fast-flowing Bornean streams, which is exactly why it collapses in the still, warm water of a typical aquarium and has a reputation as one of the hardest crypts to keep alive.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Glass Aqua Aquascaping plants and planted tank supplies
- Buce Plant Aquatic plants and aquascaping supplies
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Growing Cryptocoryne striolata?
Track your planted tank, set reminders and plan your layout.
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