If you like aquatic plants, you may know some. On this occasion, we want to show you Cryptocoryne wendtii, a plant for freshwater aquariums.
It is ideal for beginners or for those who want something tough enough and adaptable to any water condition. Want to know more about her? So feel free to continue reading.
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How is Cryptocoryne wendtii
Native to Sri Lanka, Cryptocoryne wendtii is a well-known and widely used aquarium plant. Actually, It’s almost like the first recommendation given to those who are going to set up an aquarium at home.
Visually, this plant has several color ranges, that is, you can find it in brown, red or green; or even in different color mixtures. This means that there is not just one variety, but several of them that differ in color, size and even type of leaf.
In fact, they all have the same name, but each is different. You see, the green grows up to 15 centimeters high, and the leaves are flat and wide, with a zigzag shape.. The branches are brown and this contrasts with the green.
For its part, Cryptocoryne wendtii has leaves with curved and elongated edges, of coral color. For it to show this hue, it is necessary to supply it with CO2.
Another of the varieties you can find is the Cryptocoryne wendtii Florida sunset, in different colors. The branches are pink but the broad, medium-sized leaves can have a variety of shades of gold, pink, green and white.
In its natural habitat, it grows in rivers and streams, especially in shady areas where sunlight cannot reach (at least not directly). It can measure from 10 to 35 centimeters high.
With which fish can you get Cryptocoryne wendtii?
Before concluding, we would like to give you some suggestions of fish that can ideally coexist with this aquatic plant. Among them, the best are betta fish and tetras. You can also have Iochas and Dwarf Gouramis as well as peaceful cichlids (but not the clumps because these would affect the substrate used for the plant and it could die).
Cryptocoryne wendtii treatment
Caring for an aquatic plant is not the same as caring for a “normal” one. They have their own peculiarities and you must know the specific ones of the species you choose in order to offer them a habitat that best suits their nature. On the contrary, the only thing you will get is that he will eventually die in no time.
In the case of Cryptocoryne wendtii we are going to leave you some tips that you must keep in mind to keep it healthy.
Tips for planting Cryptocoryne wendtii
As an aquatic plant, Cryptocoryne wendtii needs a full tank of water to survive. This should be located in an area where little light reaches it, because if it hits it directly, the plant will most likely end up burning or dying. This does not mean that you cannot give it indirect light, but that it can and is advised so that it can develop well.
At the base of the aquarium there must be a substrate since the plant must be planted directly on it. Being very resistant and fast growing, it will be able to develop roots in a short time. These will be quite deep and will help him gain a foothold in the tank. This land tries to choose the one that is of high quality because many fish can feed on the roots of this plant and it will need nutrients to thrive. A mixture that can work well is aquarium soil, gravel and sand. Additionally, you need a follower. You need to pour it periodically and be aware of water changes (at least once a week).
Of course, when you plant it, within a few hours or days you will see the leaves start to die back. This is a completely normal process, even if you completely lose the plant. ByEither you have to give it some time because it is normal for it to regenerate again.
Lighting and water quality
The fact that Cryptocoryne wendtii does not require direct sunlight does not mean that it does not need light. In fact, it is recommended that for an aquarium with this plant you have T5 or T8 fluorescent bulbs. Or, if available, use LED bulbs.
Regarding water quality, It is necessary to install adequate filtration to improve the water and remove particles from it.
In addition, you must ensure that the water maintains a pH between 6 and 8. The hardness must be between 3 and 8 dKH. For its part, the ideal temperature for the aquarium will be between 20 and 28ºC.
Spread of Cryptocoryne wendtii
Reproduction of Cryptocoryne wendtii is not difficult, far from it. This, yes, It is necessary to wait until the plant is well established in your aquarium, and that it has grown a little, before cutting a stem. This one does not need to be removed from the water, indeed, it is recommended to plant it there, in the substrate.
It will take some time for it to show signs as the first thing it will do is develop roots and only then will it start to grow. During this time, you will need to monitor it in case it deteriorates.
Another way to propagate this plant is with the adult plant. Once it has grown enough, it can be divided into several smaller ones and scattered around the aquarium. or serve to place in others. Each of them will be part of the mother plant but can subsist individually.
Keep in mind that, being a fast grower, it is normal that you prune it a little to prevent it from invading the whole aquarium. Even so, we are talking about a plant for small aquariums, so you should only prune if it starts to stand out from the water (for taller varieties).
If you follow these precautions that we have left you, we are sure that your Cryptocoryne wendtii will be perfectly and it will last you a long time, in addition to being able to grow new plants from it. Do you have any in your aquarium? Any additional advice?