TankBud

Cryptocoryne walkeri

Also known as Cryptocoryne 'Sri Lanka'

FreshwaterRosetteRunnersRhizome division

Cryptocoryne walkeri (Cryptocoryne walkeri)
Hannob · CC0

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
9.8 in
25 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Sri Lanka

Overview

Cryptocoryne walkeri is a reliable beginner crypt for the midground. Unlike the bushy wendtii types, it grows an upright, rigid rosette of green to olive, lance-shaped leaves. That habit makes it a structural accent rather than a low carpet.

Did you know

The Lutea sold in shops is Cryptocoryne walkeri under an old name. It was once thought to be a separate species, Cryptocoryne lutea, and is really a slightly smaller, sturdier selection of walkeri.

Caring for Cryptocoryne walkeri

Plant Cryptocoryne walkeri with the crown just clear of the substrate. It is a root feeder, so feed it with root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate.

It grows in low light and needs no CO2. CO2 and richer dosing tighten its growth and speed it up. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), with a pH of 6 to 7.5.

It is slow to settle and may take several months before it sends out daughter plants on runners. Be patient and avoid replanting it, since that can set off crypt melt. Once a clump is established, cut runner plants free or divide the rhizome.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne walkeri Schott is the accepted name. Kew treats it as a fairly broad and rather variable species that absorbs several former names, including infraspecific names such as var. legroi. As an aroid it reproduces through a hooded spathe rather than a true flower.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne walkeri grows in slow streams, rivers and marshes in Sri Lanka. It lives emersed along the banks and submersed when the water rises.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne walkeri 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 walkeri need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne walkeri need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne walkeri need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne walkeri 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 walkeri?

Cryptocoryne walkeri 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 walkeri grow?

Cryptocoryne walkeri grows to about 9.8 in (25 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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