TankBud

Cryptocoryne willisii

Cryptocoryne × willisii

Also known as Cryptocoryne nevillii, Crypt nevillii, Cryptocoryne × willisii 'nevillii', Cryptocoryne × willisii 'lucens'

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

Cryptocoryne willisii (Cryptocoryne × willisii)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
5.9 in
15 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Foreground
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
3.1 in (8 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Sri Lanka (central highlands)

Overview

Cryptocoryne willisii is one of the more forgiving crypts. It is a good beginner plant for a carpet or the foreground.

Did you know

Cryptocoryne willisii is not a single species but a swarm of natural hybrids. That is why aquarium 'willisii', 'nevillii' and 'lucens' can look noticeably different from one another under the same name.

Caring for Cryptocoryne willisii

Plant Cryptocoryne willisii in the foreground, with the roots buried and the crown just above the substrate. It stays low, at roughly 5 to 15 cm tall.

It does fine in low light with no CO2, though a little CO2 speeds up its slow growth. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs help, along with a liquid fertilizer. Keep the water at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 7.5.

Over time it spreads by runners into a dense, low group or lawn. Cut a runner plant free once it has roots to start a new patch. Like all crypts it may melt back after planting, so leave it undisturbed while the roots push out fresh growth.

Good to know

Its accepted botanical name is Cryptocoryne × willisii, written with the hybrid cross. The old name Cryptocoryne willisii Baum is an illegitimate homonym, and the trade names 'nevillii' and 'lucens' both fall inside the hybrid complex. It was long confused with the much smaller Cryptocoryne parva, and the name C. nevillii was once applied to both.

In the wild

Cryptocoryne willisii comes from riverbanks in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Its hybrids formed between Cryptocoryne parva and other Sri Lankan species such as C. beckettii and C. walkeri. In the wild it grows both submersed and emersed along flowing streams.

Common questions

Does Cryptocoryne willisii 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 willisii need CO2?

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

How much light does Cryptocoryne willisii need?

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

Does Cryptocoryne willisii need root tabs?

They help. Cryptocoryne willisii takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Cryptocoryne willisii?

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

How tall does Cryptocoryne willisii grow?

Cryptocoryne willisii grows to about 5.9 in (15 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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