Cryptocoryne striolata

Also known as Striped crypt

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

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

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.