Crypt Undulata Broad Leaf Red

The Plant
Cryptocoryne undulata 'Broad Leaf Red' is an easy rosette crypt from the rivers of Sri Lanka that adapts to a wide range of tanks. Its look depends on conditions: in low light and few nutrients it grows taller, slower and greenish-brown, while more light, nutrients and CO2 give shorter, reddish-brown leaves and faster growth.

Comes as a Tropica tissue culture cup: grown in lab gel, so it arrives free of snails, algae, pests and pesticides. Rinse off the gel and split it into small portions to plant.

Plant Care
Type: Rosette
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 15 to 30+ cm (after about two months)
Light: Low
CO2: Low

Planting Tips
Plant it in the substrate and add root tabs nearby, since crypts feed mostly through their roots. For the redder color, give it more light, nutrients and CO2.

Why Shrimp Keepers Like It
Crypts grow slowly and stay put. Shrimp graze the biofilm on the leaves and hide underneath them.

Photos from AquascapeGuide's Etsy shop, used with permission.

Information sourced from AquascapeGuide