Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’ is one of the most popular, reliable, and adaptable aquatic plants in the aquarium hobby. Originating from Sri Lanka, this hardy rosette-type plant features broad, lance-shaped leaves with a beautiful, bright green colour and a slightly wavy texture. Because it is exceptionally forgiving and handles varying water parameters with ease, it is considered an essential staple for both beginners and master aquascapers.

Technical Specifications:

• Type: Rosulate (Rosette-forming)
• Growth Rate: Slow to Medium
• Height: 10 – 30+ cm (Typically stays shorter and forms a crawling mat in high light, but grows taller in lower light or hard water)
• Width: 8 – 15 cm rosettes
• Light Demand: Low to Moderate
• CO₂ Demand: Low (Not required, but beneficial)

Care & Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: 2 – 15 dKH (Thrives exceptionally well in hard tap water)
• Substrate Preference: It is a heavy root-feeder. It performs best in a nutrient-rich aquarium soil. Root tabs are highly recommended if planted in inert gravel or sand.

Placement & Aquascaping:

• Midground Placement: Its intermediate height and bushy growth make it a perfect midground filler.
• Foreground: In larger aquariums or under intense lighting, the leaves tend to lay flat against the substrate, allowing it to function as a dense foreground carpet.
• Shade Tolerance: Highly capable of growing under the shadow of larger plants or hardscape, making it ideal for low-tech setups.

Important Considerations: “Crypt Melt”:

Like most Cryptocoryne species, this plant strongly dislikes sudden environmental changes or being relocated. When first introduced to a new tank, it may shed its existing leaves in a process known as “Crypt Melt”. If this happens, do not remove the root system. Leave the plant stable in the substrate, and it will quickly sprout robust, acclimated leaves within a few weeks.

Propagation:

Propagation is simple and straightforward. Over time, an established plant will send out underground runners (rhizomes) from its extensive root structure. You can gently pull up dense clumps, cut the runners, separate the individual plantlets, and replant them elsewhere.