Cultivated selection of Cryptocoryne wendtii (native to Sri Lanka)
Overview
Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica is one of the best beginner crypts. It is a hardy plant that forms a low, dense clump in the midground.
Did you know
Cryptocoryne wendtii changes leaf shape and color dramatically with conditions. The same plant can grow tall and green or short, broad and deep bronze, which makes crypt varieties notoriously hard to identify from photos alone.
Caring for Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica
Plant Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica in a nutrient-rich substrate, with root tabs near the roots and the crown above the surface. Expect it to melt after planting, then regrow leaves adapted to your tank.
It needs no CO2 and holds its form best under low to moderate light. Under very low light it stretches upward and loses its broad, textured leaf shape. It tolerates hard water well and grows at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).
It grows at a moderate pace and spreads by runners into a tidy patch. Cut a runner plant free once it has roots, or divide the rhizome of an older clump.
Good to know
Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica is named after the Danish nursery Tropica, which popularized it, and is also sold as Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze'. It is one of the most compact forms in the Cryptocoryne wendtii complex, in the arum family Araceae. Its leaves are distinctly hammered and puckered, dark bronze green on top and reddish underneath.
In the wild
Cryptocoryne wendtii comes from shaded streams and riverbanks in Sri Lanka. There it grows in soft, slightly acidic water under the forest canopy, spreading by runners through leaf litter. It lives submersed or emersed on damp banks, depending on the water level.
Common questions
Is Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica a different species from Cryptocoryne wendtii?
No. Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica is a form of Cryptocoryne wendtii. It reaches about 5.9 in (15 cm), against 9.8 in (25 cm) for the species. It also differs in difficulty and spread.
Does Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica 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 Tropica need CO2?
No. Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica need?
Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica need root tabs?
Yes. Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica 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 Tropica?
Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica 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 Tropica grow?
Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica grows to about 5.9 in (15 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
Low lightMidground5.9 in (15 cm)
Low lightMidground5.9 in (15 cm)
Low lightMidground7.1 in (18 cm)