TankBud

Crinum calamistratum

Also known as African onion plant, Curly crinum, Crinum natans var. calamistratum

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsets

Crinum calamistratum (Crinum calamistratum)
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
39.4 in
100 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
9.8 in (25 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Origin
West-Central Africa (Cameroon)

Overview

Crinum calamistratum is a slow-growing bulb plant with curly leaves. It is easy to keep and makes a durable centerpiece or background specimen for large tanks.

Did you know

Given enough time and space, Crinum calamistratum sends up a stalk and blooms underwater or at the surface. The flower is a spidery white amaryllis-style bloom, something few aquarium plants produce.

Caring for Crinum calamistratum

Plant the bulb of Crinum calamistratum at an angle, with at least the top half left above the substrate so it does not rot. Be patient, because it establishes slowly.

It is a heavy root feeder, so root tabs or a rich substrate keep the curly leaves dark and healthy. Low light is enough, and it needs no CO2. Brighter light gives more compact growth that flowers more readily. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

Growth is slow, but the leaves can reach about 39 in (100 cm). The bulb forms offsets, which can be separated and planted on their own. Most plant-eating and cichlid-type fish ignore the tough leaves.

Good to know

Crinum calamistratum is a true bulb-forming member of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. It is related to terrestrial garden lilies rather than to typical stem or rosette aquarium plants. The name calamistratum refers to the curled, crimped leaves, as if curled with a curling iron. It forms several smaller bulbs, unlike the larger-bulbed Crinum species, and it is also sold as African onion plant.

In the wild

Crinum calamistratum comes from West-Central Africa, where it grows in fast-flowing forest streams and rivers around Kumba in Cameroon. It roots as a bulb in the streambed and trails long, dark green, strongly crinkled ribbon leaves in the current. It lives fully submersed and, unlike some Crinum relatives, does not adapt to emersed growth.

Common questions

Does Crinum calamistratum need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes, but only partly. Push the roots into the substrate and leave at least the top half of the bulb uncovered so it doesn't rot.

Does Crinum calamistratum need CO2?

No. Crinum calamistratum grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Crinum calamistratum need?

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

Does Crinum calamistratum need root tabs?

Yes. Crinum calamistratum 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 Crinum calamistratum?

Crinum calamistratum propagates by bulb offsets. The bulb forms offsets, which can be separated and planted on their own.

How tall does Crinum calamistratum grow?

Crinum calamistratum grows to about 39.4 in (100 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

Related plants