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Form of Cryptocoryne wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii brown

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Brown'

One of 9 forms of Cryptocoryne wendtii · See all forms →

Also known as Crypt wendtii brown

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Cryptocoryne wendtii brown (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Brown')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Cryptocoryne wendtii

See all 9 →

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
3–12 dGH
Spread
7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Araceae
Origin
Sri Lanka

Overview

Cryptocoryne wendtii brown is a tough beginner rosette for the midground, grown for its warm brown to bronze leaves. It takes the same easy care as any other wendtii.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne wendtii brown gets its color only partly from its genes. The rest is a response to light, so two tanks can grow the identical plant in different shades, from greenish brown to rich chocolate.

Caring for Cryptocoryne wendtii brown

Plant individual rosettes in a rich substrate and keep each crown above the soil. It feeds through its roots, so add root tabs near them.

It grows in low light with no CO2 and tolerates a wide range of water. Keep it at pH 6 to 7.5 and 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Stronger but still moderate light deepens the brown. Very low light pushes the leaves toward greenish brown.

Expect crypt melt after planting, and resist the urge to dig it up while it regrows. It grows at a moderate pace and spreads by underground runners. Cut a runner plant free once it has roots and replant it.

Good to know

Cryptocoryne wendtii brown is a trade-selected color form of wendtii, a water trumpet in the family Araceae. Botanically it is the same species as plain green wendtii. It shares the species' arum-style spathe flower and rosette growth.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne wendtii is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it grows along shaded streams under the forest canopy. It is amphibious, living submersed when the water is high and emersed on the banks during dry spells.

Common questions

Is Cryptocoryne wendtii brown a different species from Cryptocoryne wendtii?

No. Cryptocoryne wendtii brown is a form of Cryptocoryne wendtii. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 9.8 in (25 cm) for the species.

Does Cryptocoryne wendtii brown 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 wendtii brown need CO2?

No. Cryptocoryne wendtii brown grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Cryptocoryne wendtii brown need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne wendtii brown need root tabs?

Yes. Cryptocoryne wendtii brown 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 wendtii brown?

Cryptocoryne wendtii brown propagates by runners. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.

How tall does Cryptocoryne wendtii brown grow?

Cryptocoryne wendtii brown grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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