Cryptocoryne striolata

Also known as Striped crypt

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne striolata (Cryptocoryne striolata) — Buce Plant · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light: Medium light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Temperature: 72–82°F; 22–28°C
Max height: 7.9 in; 20 cm

Growth rate: Slow
Placement: Midground
Type: Rosette
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Spread: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Difficult
Family: Araceae
Origin: Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Overview

Cryptocoryne striolata is a prized collector crypt for the midground and one of the hardest crypts to keep alive. It is not a plant for beginners or new tanks, and it takes a lot of patience.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne striolata has a chromosome count of 2n=20, shared with only two other Bornean crypts. That count points to a distinct genetic lineage.

Caring for Cryptocoryne striolata

Plant Cryptocoryne striolata in a nutrient-rich substrate, with the crown just above the surface. It resents disturbance, so plant it once and leave it. Long-term submersed growth is widely regarded as nearly impossible, and even emersed culture is tricky.

Give it medium light. It grows without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster. It takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves, so pair root tabs with a liquid fertilizer.

Keep the water stable and soft to slightly hard, at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Give it flow that mimics its stream habitat, since it tends to collapse in the still water of a typical aquarium. Growth is slow, and it spreads by runners. The rhizome can be cut into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne striolata is a valid species in the Araceae, also called striped crypt. The epithet striolata refers to the fine striping seen on many forms. Leaf form and color are so variable that a single imported plant may show green older leaves and much darker new growth.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne striolata is widespread in Borneo and concentrated in Sarawak. It 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.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne striolata 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 striolata need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne striolata need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne striolata need root tabs?

They help. Cryptocoryne striolata takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Cryptocoryne striolata?

Cryptocoryne striolata 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.