Overview
Cryptocoryne wendtii is a hardy, adaptable midground plant from Sri Lanka, available in green, bronze and red-brown forms with pleasantly rippled leaves. It is a staple of low-tech planted tanks.
It is best known for 'crypt melt' , dissolving its leaves after being moved or after a big water change , before regrowing stronger from the roots.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Low-medium |
| CO2 | Not required |
| Growth rate | Slow-medium |
| Placement | Midground |
| Max height | 4-8 in (10-20 cm) |
| Feeding | Root feeder |
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| Propagation | Runners |
Light & CO2
Crypts thrive in low to medium light and need no CO2, making them ideal for beginner and low-tech setups. Lower light gives greener leaves; brighter light brings out reds and bronzes and a more compact shape.
Planting & placement
Plant the crown in the substrate at the midground, keeping the crown just above the surface. Give it space , a mature clump spreads into a lush low bush by runners.
Feeding & growth
A root feeder that loves a nutrient-rich root zone; add root tabs in inert substrates. Growth is slow to medium, so it needs little trimming once established.
Propagation
It spreads by runners, sending up daughter plants nearby. Once a daughter has roots you can separate and replant it, or leave it to thicken the clump.
Common problems
'Crypt melt' , sudden leaf dissolving after planting or a disturbance , looks alarming but is normal; leave the roots in place and new leaves adapted to your tank will regrow within weeks.
Fun facts
- 'Crypt melt' is normal , the plant dissolves its leaves and regrows adapted ones from the roots.
- Wendtii comes in green, bronze and red-brown forms, all from the same species.
- It is a low-light, no-CO2 staple of beginner planted tanks.
- It spreads slowly into a dense low bush by runners.
- Brighter light produces more compact, reddish leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my Cryptocoryne melt?
'Crypt melt' is a normal reaction to being planted, moved, or a big change in conditions. Leave the roots undisturbed and the plant will regrow new leaves adapted to your tank within a few weeks.
Does Cryptocoryne wendtii need CO2?
No. It grows well in low to medium light with no CO2, which is why it is a favourite for low-tech tanks.
How do you propagate Cryptocoryne?
It spreads by runners that produce daughter plants nearby. Once a daughter has its own roots, separate and replant it or let it thicken the clump.
Where should I plant Cryptocoryne wendtii?
In the midground, planted in the substrate with the crown just above the surface, ideally in a nutrient-rich root zone with root tabs.
Is Cryptocoryne good for beginners?
Yes , it is hardy, low-light, needs no CO2, and forgiving, apart from the harmless melt when it is first planted.
