Cryptocoryne affinis
A hardy Cryptocoryne with bluish-green leaves and purple undersides.
Cryptocoryne affinis is an aquatic plant from the Araceae family, native to the southwestern Malay Peninsula, including parts of Pahang and occasionally Perak state. Its leaves are long and lance-shaped, reaching 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in length. The upper side is a bluish-green with a light green midrib and side nerves, while the underside is a deep reddish purple. The leaf stems are short compared to the blade. Several forms exist in the aquarium trade, varying in leaf color and edge serration, and the plant’s appearance changes with growing conditions and light levels—leaves become dark green above and purple to violet beneath. Even when fully submerged, it can produce flowers; the inflorescence grows to about 10 inches (25 cm) and features a purple-red, spirally coiled spathe.
Considered easy to grow, it rarely flowers even when grown emerged. Leaves darken in shade, and it does well under moderate aquarium light. It adapts to a range of water conditions and thrives at normal tropical aquarium temperatures of 72–79°F (22–26°C). One of the hardiest Cryptocoryne species in cultivation, it is still prone to "Crypt melt" (see genus page) and is sensitive to calcium and hard water. It propagates readily by runners. The plant was introduced to Europe by German importer Herman Haertel.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Cryptocoryne
- Species
- affinis
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Cryptocoryne affinis is distributed in the SW Malay Peninsula, specifically in Pahang, and sometimes occurs in part of Perak state. Its leaves are long and lanceolate, 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long, with an attractive bluish-green upper surface, a light green midrib and side nerves, and a deep reddish purple underside. The leaf stems are short in proportion to the leaf blade. Several forms are sold in the aquarium trade, differing in color and serration of the leaf edge, and the plant is variable depending on how it is grown and light levels. Leaves may be dark green above and purple to violet beneath. Flowers may be produced even when grown completely submersed; the inflorescence reaches about 10 inches (25 cm) with the spathe elongated into a purple-red, spirally-coiled blade.
Reader's Guide
Cryptocoryne affinis is considered easy to cultivate, though it is reluctant to flower even in emersed culture. The leaves are darker in shady conditions, and it will grow in moderate light in the aquarium. It does not seem fussy as to water conditions and is fine in normal tropical aquarium temperatures of 72–79°F (22–26°C). It is described as one of the hardiest of all the Cryptocoryne species in cultivation. However, it is subject to 'Crypt melt' (see genus page) and is sensitive to calcium and hard water. It propagates well by runners. The plant was introduced to Europe by Herman Haertel, a German importer.
Did You Know?
- Cryptocoryne affinis is one of the hardiest of all Cryptocoryne species in cultivation.
- Its leaves have a bluish-green upper surface and a deep reddish purple underside.
- It may produce flowers even when grown completely submersed.
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