Beckett's cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne beckettii) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Beckett's water trumpet, Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii'
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
Sri Lanka; introduced and naturalised in Florida and Texas
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
20 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
3–20 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to moderate light; CO2 not needed but helps
Flow
Prefers quiet water

Care

Beckett's crypt is a perennial rhizome plant from springs and rivers in Sri Lanka, growing emersed or submerged. Probably the oldest cultivated crypt, it has oval leaves 3–9 cm long on stalks up to 15 cm, green to brown, often marbled red-brown above and reddish beneath with red veins. Tropica sells the small form 'Petchii', which has slightly wavy edges and leaves that turn dark olive-brown with violet undersides; it reaches about 10–15 cm. Leaf colour and shape vary a lot with conditions. Plant in the foreground or midground and leave it undisturbed. Tropica rates it easy, with low light and CO2 needs and medium growth. It grows well even in hard water and likes a substrate with some clay. It is prone to "crypt melt" if moved. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It is invasive in parts of Florida after release by aquarists. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocorynebeckettii); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocoryne); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Mainly by runners (stolons) and rhizome growth; separate the daughter plants.

Compatibility and tank mates

Crypt leaves are fairly tough and are usually left alone by fish, shrimp and snails. Large digging cichlids and goldfish may uproot young plants. Tropical tanks only.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.