TankBud

Cryptocoryne undulata

Also known as Cryptocoryne axelrodii, Wavy crypt

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne undulata (Cryptocoryne undulata)
(c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by

Care at a glance

Light
Low 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
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Central Sri Lanka

Overview

Cryptocoryne undulata is an undemanding crypt for the midground. It forms low rosettes of narrow, wavy-edged leaves that range from olive green to reddish brown depending on light.

Did you know

The wavy, almost crinkled leaf edge that gives Cryptocoryne undulata its name is largely a submersed trait. Grown emersed above the waterline, the leaves flatten out and look much like its plainer relatives.

Caring for Cryptocoryne undulata

Plant Cryptocoryne undulata with the crown just above the substrate, then leave it alone. Moving or replanting it often sets off crypt melt, where the leaves dissolve. New growth returns from the rooted rhizome within a few weeks.

It grows in low light with no added CO2. CO2 and richer dosing deepen the leaf color and speed up its slow growth. It is a root feeder, so push root tabs in near the base or grow it in a nutrient substrate. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 7.5.

Over time it spreads by runners into a dense stand. Cut a daughter plant free once it has roots, or divide the rhizome of an older clump.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne undulata was described by Wendt, and older aquarium literature long lumped it under C. willisii before it was recognized as distinct. Kew's Plants of the World Online lists Cryptocoryne axelrodii and Cryptocoryne willisii among its synonyms. Like other crypts it is an aroid, producing a hooded spathe rather than a conventional flower. It belongs to the closely related group of C. wendtii and C. beckettii. The throat color of the spathe is one of the few reliable ways to tell these species apart.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne undulata comes from streams and slow rivers in central Sri Lanka. It grows there as a marsh plant, submersed for part of the year and emersed when the water level drops.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne undulata 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 undulata need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne undulata need?

Cryptocoryne undulata is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Cryptocoryne undulata need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne undulata 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 undulata?

Cryptocoryne undulata 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 undulata grow?

Cryptocoryne undulata grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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