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Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Care level: Easy
Native to the streams and rice paddies of Sri Lanka, Cryptocoryne wendtii is a slow, undemanding rosette plant prized for its wavy-edged leaves that range from green to bronze to reddish depending on light and substrate. Its tolerance of low-tech setups and shaded corners has made it a staple foreground and midground plant for decades.
Low to moderate aquarium lighting (~15-30 PAR); tolerates shaded low-tech setups without added CO2.
Water
Weekly 20-30% water changes; adaptable, pH 6.0-7.5, 22-28°C, soft to moderately hard water. Dislikes sudden parameter swings.
CO2 & Feeding
Does not require CO2 injection, though it grows faster and more compact with it; benefits from root tabs more than heavy water-column dosing.
Substrate
Nutrient-rich substrate with root tabs supports its root system well; established plants dislike being uprooted or replanted often.
Temperature
22-28°C. Avoid sudden changes.
Tank Placement
Midground
Common mistake
"Crypt melt", where all the leaves suddenly dissolve after a water change, rescape, or new tank setup, looks alarming but is rarely fatal; the root and rhizome usually survive and send up new, better-adapted leaves within a few weeks.
Care by Season
Spring
Good time to divide crowded clumps by separating rooted side shoots without disturbing the main rhizome too much.
Summer
Steady growth; remove any melted or algae-covered older leaves to keep the crown clean.
Autumn
Growth slows; avoid unnecessary replanting since disturbance can trigger another melt.
Winter
Tolerates cooler water but prefers stable conditions; minimize water parameter swings during this period.
Growing & Maintenance
Planting
Plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate in the midground, then leave it alone. Established plants dislike being uprooted.
Fertilising
Root tabs pushed into the substrate suit it better than liquid fertiliser.
Trimming
Remove melted or algae-covered older leaves to keep the crown clean.
Propagation
Divide a crowded clump by separating the rooted side shoots.
Pests & Diseases
Common problems
All the leaves dissolving at once
Most likely cause: Crypt melt, a reaction to a sudden change in water, light or position.
What to do: Leave the roots and rhizome in place. New leaves grow back.
Hard green spots on the leaves
Most likely cause: Green spot algae.
What to do: Scrape them off and shorten the lighting period slightly.
Another melt after replanting
Most likely cause: Disturbance of the roots.
What to do: Avoid moving an established plant.
Slow growth
Most likely cause: Low light without CO2, which it tolerates.
What to do: Nothing is needed. Root tabs and CO2 speed it up.
Algae on the older leaves
Most likely cause: Old leaves stay on the plant for a long time.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves at the base.
Pests & Diseases
Crypt melt
Signs: Leaves suddenly turn translucent and dissolve after disturbance or a tank change
Treatment: Leave the roots and rhizome in place undisturbed; trim melted leaves and wait a few weeks for new growth adapted to current conditions.
Green spot algae
Signs: Small hard green dots on older, slow-growing leaves
Treatment: Scrape off manually, reduce light duration slightly, and check phosphate balance.
FAQ
Why did all my Cryptocoryne's leaves melt away at once?
This is the well-known "crypt melt" response to a sudden change in water chemistry, lighting, or being uprooted, leave the roots undisturbed and new leaves will typically regrow.
Does Cryptocoryne wendtii need CO2?
No, it grows well in low-tech tanks without injected CO2, though growth is faster and leaf color more vivid with it.
How much light does Cryptocoryne wendtii need?
Low to moderate aquarium lighting. It tolerates shaded, low-tech tanks.
What water does Cryptocoryne wendtii need?
It is adaptable: pH 6.0-7.5, 22-28°C, soft to moderately hard water. It dislikes sudden changes in the water.
How do I propagate Cryptocoryne wendtii?
By division. Separate the rooted side shoots from a crowded clump without disturbing the main rhizome.
Where should I plant Cryptocoryne wendtii?
In the midground, in a nutrient-rich substrate. Choose the spot carefully, because it dislikes being moved afterwards.
