Cryptocoryne Cordata

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific name: Cryptocoryne cordata
• Family: Araceae
• Plant type: Aquatic / semi-aquatic rosette plant
• Growth rate: Slow to moderate
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

🍃 Appearance

• Broad, oval to slightly elongated green leaves
• Leaves grow in a rosette from a central root base
• Color ranges from light green to deep olive green
• Creates a natural “forest floor” look in aquariums

💡 Aquarium Requirements

• 💡 Light: Low to medium (does not need strong light)
• 🌡️ Temperature: 22–30°C
• 💧 pH: 6.0–7.5
• 🌱 Substrate: Nutrient-rich soft substrate preferred

🌱 Care Tips

• Avoid moving the plant often (can cause “crypt melt”)
• Grows slowly but becomes very stable once adapted
• Prefers stable water conditions
• Can grow well in low-tech setups without CO₂

⚠️ Crypt Melt

• Newly planted leaves may melt or die back
• New submerged leaves will grow after adaptation

✂️ Propagation

• Produces runner plants from the root system
• Baby plants can be separated when mature

🐠 Aquascaping Use

• Midground plant in most aquariums
• Excellent for natural, jungle, and biotope-style tanks
• Pairs well with Anubias, Java Fern, and driftwood layouts
• Provides shelter for shrimp and small fish

⭐ Summary

• Hardy once established
• Low maintenance
• Great for beginners who want natural green aquascapes