Crypt Identification

[sfarkhan]

Hi all,

Can you please identify this crypt? I bought a few of them at the GWAPA meeting last Spring. Is it a Cryptocoryne crispatula?

[scientist0724]

It looks like C. spiralis.

Arlene

[Cavan]

Yes, C. crispatula. Hard to say which variety though.

C. spiralis is actually a much wider-leaved plant, but that name is often misapplied to C. crispatula var flacidifolia.

[scientist0724]

Hmmm...now I'm wondering what I have. My leaves are very thin, and I was told that is was C. spiralis. I'm going to have to bring some to you Cavan and have you properly identify it for me!

Arlene

[Cavan]

There's a good photo of real C. spiralis on page 216 of Kasselmann.

[sfarkhan]

Thanks, I wanted to purchase or obtain a few more. Is there an easy way to propagate this? Cuttings? I have CO2 injection and I fert regularly

[halak]

As far as I know all crypts can propagate by runners, or you can flower and then pollinate them. Just be patient, and plantlets should pop up in tank.

[sfarkhan]

I think the "crypt" in the back could be Aponogeton or another crypt? The root is a long tuber that sits laterally with roots coming out the bottom half. I learned not to bury tubers as they can rot and just push the roots into the substrate.

Please correct me if I'm wrong - I'm trying to learn the nuances of these plants and I've had some luck with online resources. I'd love to buy more or learn how to propagate these guys because their long thin leaves would look amazing in a bunch.