Cryptocoryne Spiralis Red

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Red Tiger Crypt; Spiralis Red; Spiral Water Trumpet Red

Synonyms

Cryptocoryne spiralis var. tiger

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

India

Habitat

Rivers, streams, marshes and seasonally flooded rice fields of southwestern India, growing submersed in the monsoon and emersed as waters recede

Sourcing

Tissue culture

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

4 – 16 in (10 – 41 cm)

Spread

8 in (20 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

2 – 18 dGH

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Low

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Brown, Red, Green, Multicolor

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Runners, Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Southwestern Indian rivers and seasonally flooded rice fields are the origin of this strap-leaved rosette, sold here in its reddish form. Leaf colour deepens toward brownish-red with adequate light, while the plant depends on a nutrient-rich substrate for feeding and settles slowly after planting, often melting back before establishing.

Care

A selected form of the Indian species Cryptocoryne spiralis, this plant tolerates a wide range of light levels and does not require CO2 injection, though brighter light and added CO2 deepen the tiger-like striping on its long, narrow leaves. It grows slowly to moderately and does best planted once in a permanent spot, since crypts respond poorly to repeated uprooting. A nutrient-rich substrate supports the strong root system this plant depends on for most of its nutrition.

Planting & trimming

Bury the roots in a nutrient-rich substrate while keeping the crown and rhizome at the surface, spacing plants a few inches apart to allow the arching leaves room to spread. Choose the final position carefully, since crypts sulk and melt when relocated, and place it in the midground or background where its height will not shade shorter foreground plants. Trim only spent or damaged outer leaves rather than cutting back the plant heavily.

Fertilizing

As a heavy root feeder, it needs nutrients delivered at the root zone rather than through the water column alone. Push root tabs near the base periodically, or plant it in an aquasoil substrate that supplies iron and trace elements over time. Pale new leaves or weak striping usually point to depleted substrate rather than a lighting problem.

Propagation

Established plants spread by sending out runners from the base, and daughter rosettes that form can be separated from the parent once they have their own root systems. Division of the rhizome clump is also effective for propagation once the plant has produced multiple crowns. Growth is slow, so patience is needed between propagation events.

Problems

Newly planted specimens commonly go through crypt melt, dissolving most or all of their leaves within days of introduction or after any major disturbance to water chemistry. The rhizome and roots usually survive this event and send up fresh growth within two to four weeks, so the plant should be left undisturbed rather than removed. Once established, it is fairly resistant to algae fouling and disease compared with faster-growing stem plants.

Sources

1. Cryptocoryne spiralis Tiger care: light, CO2 and placement · TankBud
2. Tiger Crypt – Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Tiger' Plant – Aquarium Plants Factory
3. Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Tiger'
4. Cryptocoryne Spiralis Tiger - Potted - Planted Aquaria - Bring Nature Home

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