Cryptocoryne Sri Lanka

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Crypt Sri Lanka; Water Trumpet

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Sri Lanka

Habitat

Fast-flowing, calcium-rich limestone streams and rivers

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

4 – 12 in (10 – 30 cm)

Spread

8 in (20 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

3 – 12 dGH

PAR

20 – 50 PAR

Flow

Moderate

Light

Low

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Runners, Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Cryptocoryne sp. 'Sri Lanka' is a limestone-stream water trumpet forming a dense rosette of lance-shaped, wavy-edged green leaves in the midground. Its tolerance for hard, mineral-rich water makes it a forgiving choice for tap-water aquariums, though it grows slowly and settles best once planted and left undisturbed. Expect leaf melt after transplanting before new growth adapts.

Care

This crypt tolerates a broad range of water hardness thanks to its origin in mineral-rich limestone streams, making it more forgiving than many other Cryptocoryne for hobbyists dealing with hard tap water. It grows slowly into a dense rosette of lance-shaped, wavy-edged leaves and does best left undisturbed once planted. Low to medium lighting suits it well, and while CO2 injection is not mandatory it noticeably improves leaf size and coloration.

Planting & trimming

Rinse all rockwool from the roots before planting, then use fine tweezers to bury the root mass deep in the substrate while keeping the crown at the surface. Choose a permanent spot from the start, since established plants resent being moved or divided. It can also be grown emersed in paludariums or high-humidity setups, where mature specimens occasionally send up a flowering spathe.

Fertilizing

Root tabs pushed into the substrate near the base supply the iron and micronutrients this heavy root feeder needs, particularly in inert substrates like sand or gravel. A nutrient-rich aquasoil reduces the need for frequent dosing but supplemental liquid fertilizer still helps sustain steady growth. Pale or yellowing new leaves usually point to iron or micronutrient deficiency rather than a lighting problem.

Propagation

Propagation occurs mainly through underground runners that send up new plantlets a short distance from the parent. Once a plantlet has developed its own root system it can be carefully separated and replanted elsewhere in the tank. Division is best done sparingly, since frequent disturbance slows the plant's overall growth.

Problems

New plants commonly shed most or all of their leaves after transplanting, a stress response known as crypt melt rather than a sign of a dying plant. Keeping water parameters stable and avoiding further disturbance allows fresh, better-adapted leaves to emerge within a few weeks. Excess light or algae buildup on the slow-growing leaves can also cause deterioration if the tank is not well balanced.

Sources

1. Cryptocoryne Sri Lanka – Nature Aquariums USA
2. Cryptocoryne Sri Lanka - Live Aquarium Plant — Buce Plant
3. Cryptocoryne Sri Lanka
4. Crypt Aquarium Plant Care Guide [Expert Tips & Tricks]

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