Cryptocoryne (crypts) are slow-growing, low-light rosette plants for the midground and foreground that thrive in low-tech Indian aquariums once they settle, but they are famous for crypt melt, where most leaves rot away within one to three weeks of planting or a water change before new leaves regrow from the roots. Several species, including Cryptocoryne wendtii, parva, balansae, undulata and lutea, are sold in India, and all of them feed mainly through their roots. This guide explains how to choose a species, how to plant and feed crypts, how to survive crypt melt, which fish and tanks suit them and how to fix common problems.
Quick answer: Plant crypts with the crown above the substrate, use low to medium light for 7-8 hours, keep water at about 22-28 C and push a root tab beside each plant every two to three months. Do not move them once planted and keep water changes gentle, because sudden changes in water or temperature trigger crypt melt. Expect leaves to melt after planting; new leaves usually grow back in two to four weeks if the roots are healthy.
Cryptocoryne at a glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Common names | Crypts, water trumpets |
| Origin | Streams and rivers of South and Southeast Asia, including India and Sri Lanka |
| Plant type | Rosette plant with a thick root system |
| Light | Low to medium |
| CO2 | Not needed |
| Temperature | About 22-28 C |
| Water | Soft to moderately hard, pH roughly 6 to 8 |
| Growth speed | Slow; faster once rooted and fed |
| Height | 5-30 cm depending on species |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; crypt melt is the main challenge |
| Spreads by | Runners that produce daughter plants |
| Fish eat it? | Rarely; the leaves are tough |
Why crypts suit Indian aquariums
Many crypts come from rivers and streams of India, Sri Lanka and nearby regions, so they cope with the water and temperatures found in most Indian homes. They need little light and no CO2, which makes them a good fit for a low-tech tank, and their tough leaves are rarely eaten by fish. Because crypts grow slowly, they also create little trimming work. They are a useful midground plant when you want something sturdier than carpet plants but smaller than swords; see the Amazon sword guide, Anubias guide and low-tech planted tank guide for comparisons.
Popular crypt species compared
| Species | Size | Leaf look | Best placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptocoryne wendtii | 10-25 cm | Green, bronze, brown or pink, slightly wavy | Midground | Most common and the easiest; many colour forms |
| Cryptocoryne parva | 5-8 cm | Small, narrow, bright green | Foreground | Slowest growing; good for small tanks |
| Cryptocoryne balansae | 25-40 cm | Long, crinkled, ribbon-like | Background or side | Large and needs more nutrients |
| Cryptocoryne undulata | 15-30 cm | Wavy, brownish leaves | Midground | Likes soft to moderately hard water |
| Cryptocoryne lutea | 15-25 cm | Narrow, olive green | Midground | Similar to wendtii; widely sold |
| Cryptocoryne becketii | 10-20 cm | Olive-brown with a pale centre | Midground | Hardy and good for beginners |
If you are starting out, choose Cryptocoryne wendtii or lutea. Parva suits very small tanks, and balansae suits taller tanks where you want a background plant that is not too bushy.
What is crypt melt and how do you handle it?
Crypt melt happens when a crypt that was grown above water, or in different water, loses its old leaves after it is moved into your tank. The leaves turn glassy, develop holes and collapse over a few days. The plant is not dead: as long as the roots and the crown stay firm, it will send up new leaves adapted to your water. A sudden change in light, temperature, water hardness or substrate can trigger melt even in established plants, so handle crypts gently after they settle.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Do not panic | Leave the roots and crown in place; they hold the energy for new leaves |
| Remove rotting leaves | Trim melted leaves at the base to keep the water clean |
| Do not move the plant | Replanting disturbs the roots and can cause a second melt |
| Keep conditions steady | Hold temperature, light and water changes consistent for two to four weeks |
| Add a root tab | Feed the roots so that new leaves have nutrients |
| Be patient | New leaves usually appear in two to four weeks |
See also why aquarium plants melt or turn brown and yellow for causes common to all plants.
Light and CO2
Crypts grow in low to medium light for 7-8 hours a day. Strong light can cause algae on their slow-growing leaves, so a moderate light is best. See our planted aquarium lighting guide and how many hours to run an aquarium light. A light like the Sobo AL-380 (15.5W) (₹1,230) suits 1-2 foot tanks, and the Neo Helios Nano S3 Plus (₹1,050) suits nano tanks. Crypts do not need CO2.
Planted tank lights by tank size (Fish Bazaar range)
Pick the row that matches your tank length, then choose by plant level: the cheaper full-spectrum lights suit low to medium light plants such as Anubias, Java fern and Cryptocoryne, while the Chihiros WRGB II Pro and B Series are built for red plants, carpets and CO2 tanks. Tank length is the longest side of the glass. Prices are in rupees as listed on Fish Bazaar on 9 October 2026 and can change, so check the product page for the current price and stock.
| Tank length | Light | Power | Best for | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano, about 20 cm | Sobo AL-180 COB | 8W | Easy low-light plants: Anubias nana, mosses, Bucephalandra, small Crypts | ₹890 |
| Nano, about 20 cm | BluePet N6 Neo+ | 6W | Easy low-light nano plants; full spectrum | ₹550 |
| Nano, about 20 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 20) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech planted tanks; tunable colour | ₹4,900 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Neo Helios Flat Nano S3 Plus | 13W | Low to medium light: Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Java fern, easy stems | ₹1,050 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Neo Helios Flat Nano S3 Pro+ (10000K) | 13W | Low to medium light; cooler 10000K full spectrum | ₹1,250 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Blue Pet Flat Nano S3 WRGB | 10W | Easy low-light nano plants; WRGB colour | ₹850 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Blue Pet Flat Nano S4 WRGB | 16W | Low to medium light; more penetration than the S3 | ₹1,010 |
| 30-40 cm (about 1 to 1.5 ft) | RS Electrical RS-S13 clip-on | 12W | Low to medium light; clip-on for rimless tanks | ₹860 |
| 30-40 cm (about 1 to 1.5 ft) | RS Electrical RS-L13 clip-on (10000K) | 12W | Small planted tanks; clip-on, full-spectrum beads | ₹850 |
| 30 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 30) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹5,900 |
| 30 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (30) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹22,000 |
| 30 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (30) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹11,600 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 40-50 cm (about 1.5 ft) | Sobo AL-380 COB | 15.5W | Low to medium light: Anubias, Crypts, Java fern, easy stems | ₹1,230 |
| 45 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 45) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹6,500 |
| 45 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (45) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹26,000 |
| 45 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (45) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹12,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 50-60 cm (about 2 ft) | Sobo AL-480 COB | 21W | Low to medium light; add CO2 and dosing for carpets and red plants | ₹1,500 |
| 50-60 cm (about 2 ft) | Neo-Helios XP-300 (up to about 2-2.5 ft) | 16W | Small to medium planted tanks; many medium-light plants | ₹3,450 |
| 60 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 60) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹7,200 |
| 60 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (60) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹31,999 |
| 60 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (60) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹15,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 80 cm (about 2.5 ft) | Chihiros B Series (B 80) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹9,800 |
| 80 cm (about 2.5 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (80) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹37,999 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Neo-Helios XP-600 (3 ft and up) | 32W | Medium to large planted tanks, including more demanding plants | ₹5,050 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Chihiros B Series (B 90) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹10,700 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (90) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹41,999 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (90) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹20,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Neo-Helios XP-1200 (4 ft and up) | 64W | Medium to large planted tanks, including more demanding plants | ₹5,850 |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Chihiros B Series (B 120) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹11,500 |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (120) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹52,999 |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (120) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹24,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| Specialist Chihiros (tank size not stated on the product page) | Chihiros A II 801 | White LED, app control | Densely planted freshwater tanks; acrylic stand, no metal legs | ₹11,500 (sold out at time of writing) |
| Specialist Chihiros (tank size not stated on the product page) | Chihiros RGB Vivid II Mini | RGB, app control | The most demanding plants; mount or pendant versions | ₹27,400 pendant, 28,800 mount (sold out at time of writing) |
Chihiros sizes (30, 45, 60, 80, 90, 120) match the tank length in cm. Wattage alone does not decide plant growth, so match the light to your plants and add CO2 and fertilizer only if you want demanding species. Not sure which light fits your tank? See the full aquarium light range or message us with your tank size.
Substrate, root tabs and fertilizer
Crypts feed mostly through the roots, so the substrate matters more than the water column. A nutrient-rich soil is ideal, but fine gravel or sand with root tabs also works; see our planted tank substrate guide and planting aquarium plants in gravel. Push a root tab such as Sunken Garden Root Tabs (₹290) into the substrate beside each plant every two to three months. A weekly dose of an all-in-one such as Sunken Garden Green (₹490) supports the leaves. Read the root tabs guide and aquarium plant fertilizer guide for details.
How to plant Cryptocoryne
- Rinse the plant and quarantine it; see how to dip and quarantine new plants.
- Remove the pot and rockwool if the plant came potted, and rinse the roots gently.
- Trim any long, damaged roots and rotten leaves.
- Make a hole in the substrate and place the roots in it.
- Cover the roots but keep the crown, where leaves meet roots, above the substrate.
- Space plants 5-10 cm apart to leave room for runners.
- Add a root tab nearby and do not move the plant for several weeks.
See how to plant aquarium plants for other methods and plant holders, pots, weights and glue for tools.
Water and temperature
Most crypts tolerate a broad range of water, but they prefer stable conditions. Keep the temperature between about 22 and 28 C and avoid large drops during water changes, especially in winter. Match new water to tank temperature and use a conditioner such as Sunken Garden Anti Chlorine (₹290). Our water conditioner guide explains the dose, and winter aquarium care explains how to prevent cold shocks.
Spreading and propagation
Once a crypt settles, it sends out runners that grow daughter plants. When a daughter plant has three or four leaves and its own roots, cut the runner with sharp scissors and leave the plant in place or move it carefully. Crypts can form a dense carpet-like colony over time if fed well. Do not divide mature clumps too often, because each disturbance risks another melt; see how to propagate aquarium plants.
Using crypts in your layout
Plant crypts in small groups in the midground, and use parva or small wendtii forms at the front of small tanks. Keep tall or fast plants such as Vallisneria and hornwort behind them so that they do not shade the crypts. A mix of wendtii colours with Java fern and Anubias on rocks gives a natural look; see our aquascaping guide. Crypts look best when left alone for months to form a colony.
Common Cryptocoryne problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves melt after planting | Crypt melt from a change in water, light or temperature | Leave the roots, trim rotten leaves and wait for new growth |
| Melt after a water change | Large temperature or hardness swing | Match temperature and use smaller changes |
| Leaves pale and small | Low root nutrients | Add root tabs |
| Holes in leaves | Potassium shortage | Add a micronutrient or all-in-one fertilizer |
| Algae on the leaves | Too much light | Reduce the light period and clean leaves gently |
| Plant floats up | Crown or roots not anchored | Replant and cover the roots |
| No new leaves for weeks | Roots rotted or crown buried | Check the crown; if firm, wait |
See nutrient deficiency in aquarium plants and does fertilizer cause algae for more help.
Which fish and tanks suit crypts
Crypts suit most community, livebearer, rasbora, tetra and shrimp tanks, and they grow well in tanks with low light and gentle flow. Digging fish such as large cichlids and some loaches can uproot them, and goldfish may dig around the roots. See cichlid care, goldfish care and shrimp care. Bettas use the broad leaves as resting spots; see aquarium plants for betta fish. For other combinations, read best fish for a planted aquarium.
Choosing healthy crypts
Look for plants with firm crowns, white or light brown roots and leaves without black spots. A potted crypt with some brown or melting leaves is normal; check that the crown is solid and the roots are not black or slimy. Plants grown submerged melt less than plants grown in air, so ask the seller how the plants were grown. Handle crypts gently and plant them immediately after unpacking.
Buying crypts in India
Crypts are sold as potted plants, bare-root plants and tissue-culture cups. Tissue-culture cups are free of snails and algae and often melt less; see tissue culture plants and where to buy live aquarium plants in India. At the time of writing, Fish Bazaar does not list live crypts on the store; we stock the lights, root tabs, fertilizers and conditioners shown above, and you can message us on WhatsApp for help planning your tank.
हिंदी में संक्षेप: क्रिप्टोकोरीन धीरे बढ़ने वाला पौधा है जो कम रोशनी में चलता है और CO2 नहीं माँगता। इसे लगाने के बाद पत्ते गलना (क्रिप्ट मेल्ट) आम बात है, जड़ें और क्राउन ठीक हों तो 2-4 हफ़्ते में नए पत्ते आ जाते हैं। क्राउन को मिट्टी के ऊपर रखें, 2-3 महीने में रूट टैब दें और पौधे को बार-बार न हिलाएँ। पानी का तापमान 22-28 डिग्री रखें और पानी बदलते समय अचानक बदलाव से बचें।
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Cryptocoryne leaves melting?
Crypts often melt after planting or a sudden change in water, light or temperature. If the roots and crown are firm, new leaves usually grow back in two to four weeks.
Is Cryptocoryne easy to grow?
It is easy once settled but slow to adapt. Use low to medium light, root tabs and steady water conditions.
How do you plant Cryptocoryne?
Place the roots in the substrate and keep the crown above the surface. Add a root tab nearby and do not move the plant.
Does Cryptocoryne need CO2?
No. It grows well in low-tech tanks without CO2.
Which Cryptocoryne is best for beginners?
Cryptocoryne wendtii and lutea are the easiest and most widely sold. Becketii is also hardy.
How fast does Cryptocoryne grow?
It grows slowly at first and faster once the roots settle and the plant has nutrients from root tabs.
Do crypts need root tabs?
Yes, they feed mostly through the roots and grow best with a root tab every two to three months.
Can I move a Cryptocoryne after planting?
Avoid it. Moving the plant disturbs the roots and can cause another round of crypt melt.
What light does Cryptocoryne need?
Low to medium light for 7-8 hours a day. Strong light can cause algae on the slow-growing leaves.
Which fish can uproot Cryptocoryne?
Large cichlids, goldfish and some loaches dig in the substrate and may uproot crypts. Anchor them well or choose other plants.
Related plant guides
- Aquarium plants for fish tanks: the complete India guide
- Amazon sword guide
- Anubias guide
- Root tabs guide
- Why aquarium plants melt
- How to propagate aquarium plants
- How to plant aquarium plants
Planning a low-tech planted tank with Cryptocoryne? Message us on WhatsApp at +91 91523 30102 and we will help.
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