Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya is as undemanding as any wendtii and grows into one of the larger forms. Give it midground space, since it makes a broad rosette rather than a compact tuft.
Did you know
The Mi Oya river runs unusually warm, and the crypt named for it inherited the tolerance. Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya is a go-to plant for discus and other high-temperature tanks that cook most stem plants.
Caring for Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya
Plant Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya with the crown left above the soil. It is a root feeder, so give it a nutrient-rich substrate or push root tabs in near it.
Low light is enough, and it needs no CO2. Keep the water at 72 to 86°F (22 to 30°C) and a pH of 6 to 7.5. Like the rest of the species, its exact leaf color shifts with light and nutrients.
It grows at a moderate pace and spreads by runners. Cut a runner plant free once it has roots, or divide the rhizome of an older clump. New imports and big parameter swings trigger the usual crypt melt. Trim away the mush and wait for regrowth instead of pulling the plant.
Good to know
Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya is a water trumpet in the arum family, Araceae. Its name comes from its collection river rather than any formal taxonomic rank. It is one of the older named wendtii forms in the hobby and was first spread commercially by Tropica. Submersed plants carry long reddish-brown leaves with a well-marked, slightly hammered surface.
In the wild
Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya is a locality form from the Mi Oya river in Sri Lanka's dry-zone lowlands. Like all wendtii, it grows submersed in the streambed and emersed along the banks as levels fall, in shaded, gently flowing water.
Common questions
Is Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya a different species from Cryptocoryne wendtii?
No. Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya is a form of Cryptocoryne wendtii. It reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm), against 9.8 in (25 cm) for the species. It also differs in difficulty and temperature.
Does Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya 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 Mi Oya need CO2?
No. Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya need?
Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya need root tabs?
Yes. Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya 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 Mi Oya?
Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya 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 wendtii Mi Oya grow?
Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
Low lightMidground11.8 in (30 cm)
Medium lightMidground11.8 in (30 cm)
Low lightMidground11.8 in (30 cm)
Low lightMidground9.8 in (25 cm)
Low lightMidground9.8 in (25 cm)