TankBud

Cryptocoryne usteriana

Also known as Giant hammered crypt, Hammered bronze crypt, Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne usteriana (Cryptocoryne usteriana)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Background
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
4–20 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Guimaras Island, Philippines

Overview

Cryptocoryne usteriana is a giant crypt for the background, slow growing and rated easy.

Did you know

Plants sold as Cryptocoryne usteriana are frequently the equally large Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia. The two are hard to tell apart unless the plant flowers and shows its hooded spathe.

Caring for Cryptocoryne usteriana

Plant Cryptocoryne usteriana in a deep, nutrient-rich substrate and give it room, since it can exceed 50 cm. A single well-grown plant can fill a 30 cm stretch of background. It is a heavy root feeder, so keep root tabs under it.

It grows in low light with no CO2, though stronger light and CO2 both intensify its color and texture. Unlike most crypts, it does well in hard, alkaline water, from pH 6 to 8 and 4 to 20 dGH. That makes it one of the few good plants for Tanganyika or Malawi-style tanks, and it is robust enough to resist most cichlids. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

Like all crypts it may melt after planting, then regrow from the rhizome. Growth is slow, and it spreads slowly by long runners. Cut a runner plant free once it has roots, or divide the rhizome of an established plant.

Good to know

Its full botanical name is Cryptocoryne usteriana Engl., and it belongs to the family Araceae. It is one of the largest species in the genus, also sold as the giant hammered crypt or hammered bronze crypt. Its long, strap-like leaves have a deeply embossed, hammered surface, dark green to bronze on top and burgundy red beneath.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne usteriana is native to rivers on the Philippine island of Guimaras. It grows there mostly submersed, in flowing water that is often hard and alkaline.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne usteriana 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 usteriana need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne usteriana need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne usteriana need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne usteriana 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 usteriana?

Cryptocoryne usteriana 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 usteriana grow?

Cryptocoryne usteriana grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

Related plants