Happy Urban Dirt

If you like aquatic plants, you may know some. On this occasion, We want to show you Cryptocoryne wendtii, a plant intended for freshwater aquariums.

It is perfect for beginners or those who want something that is quite sturdy and adaptable to all water conditions. Want to learn more about it? So feel free to read on.

What does Cryptocoryne wendtii look like?

Originally from Sri Lanka, Cryptocoryne wendtii is a well-known and widely used aquarium plant. In fact, It is almost like the first recommendation for those who intend to set up an aquarium in their home.

Visually, this plant has several color ranges, that is, it can be found in brown, red or green; or even in mixtures of different colors. This means that there is not just one variety, but many of them, which differ in color, size and even type of leaf.

They all actually have the same name, but each one is different. You see, this green variety grows up to 15 centimeters lofty, and its leaves are flat and immense, with a zigzag shape.The branches are brown, which contrasts with the green.

Cryptocoryne wendtii, on the other hand, has leaves with curved and elongated edges, coral in color. To obtain this shade, it is necessary to supply it with CO2.

Another variety you can find is Cryptocoryne wendtii Florida Sunset, which comes in a variety of colors. The branches are pink, but the wide, medium-sized leaves can be various shades of gold, pink, green and white.

In its natural habitat, it grows in rivers and streams, especially in shady places where sunlight does not reach (at least not directly). It can reach a height of 10 to 35 centimeters.

What fish can Cryptocoryne wendtii be combined with?

Before we wrap up, we want to give you some suggestions of fish that can coexist perfectly with this aquatic plant. Among them, the best are Betta and Tetra. You can also have dwarf iochs and gouramis, as well as peaceful cichlids. (but not immense ones, because they could damage the substrate in which the plant grows and it could die).

Cryptocoryne wendtii care

Aquatic plant care is not the same as “normal” plants. They have their own peculiarities and you need to know the specific characteristics of the species you are choosing in order to provide them with a habitat that is most in keeping with their nature. Otherwise, The only thing you will achieve is that he will die shortly thereafter.

In the case of Cryptocoryne wendtii, we would like to share some tips to keep in mind to keep it hearty.

Cryptocoryne wendtii Planting Tips

As an aquatic plant, Cryptocoryne wendtii needs a tank full of water to survive. It should be in a place where not much airy reaches, because if it hits directly, the plant will most likely end up burning or dying. This does not mean that you cannot provide it with indirect airy, but that it can and is advisable for it to thrive.

There must be a substrate at the bottom of the aquarium, because the plant must be planted directly on it. Being very hardy and brisk growing, it will be able to develop roots in a miniature time. They will be quite deep and will assist it gain support in the tank. This soil is tried to be of high quality, because the roots of this plant can be eaten by many fish. and will need nutrients to thrive. A mixture that can work is aquarium soil, gravel and sand. You also need a subscriber. You need to water it periodically and remember to change the water (at least once a week).

Of course, once you plant it, within a few hours or days you will see the leaves start to die back. This is completely normal, even if you lose the plant completely.Or you need to give it some time, because regeneration is a normal phenomenon.

Lighting and water quality

Just because Cryptocoryne wendtii does not require direct sunlight does not mean it does not need airy. In fact, it is recommended that you utilize T5 or T8 fluorescent bulbs in your aquarium with this plant. Or, if applicable, utilize LED bulbs.

When it comes to water quality, Appropriate filters should be installed to improve water quality and remove solid particles from it.

In addition, you should ensure that the water maintains a pH between 6 and 8. The hardness must be between 3 and 8 dKH. The ideal temperature for the aquarium will be between 20 and 28ºC.

Cryptocoryne wendtii propagation

Cryptocoryne wendtii propagation is not hard, quite the opposite. Yes, indeed, Before cutting off the stem, wait until the plant is well rooted in the aquarium and has grown a little. There is no need to take it out of the water; on the contrary, it is recommended to plant it directly in the substrate.

It will take some time before it shows signs, because the first thing it will do is develop roots and only then will it start growing. In the meantime, you will have to watch for it to get worse.

Another way to propagate this plant is to utilize adults. Once the plant has grown enough, it can be divided into several smaller ones and scattered around the aquarium. or serve to be placed in others. Each of them will be part of the mother plant, but can exist individually.

Keep in mind that due to its rapid growth, it is normal to trim it a little to prevent it from taking over the entire aquarium. However, we are talking about a plant for diminutive aquariums, so you should only trim it when it starts to stand out from the water (in the case of taller varieties).

If you follow the precautions we have given you, we are sure that your Cryptocoryne wendtii will be in perfect condition. and it will serve you for a long time, and you will also be able to grow novel plants from it. Do you have it in your aquarium? Any additional advice?