Cryptocoryne affinis (Cryptocoryne affinis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Cryptocoryne haerteliana, Haertel's crypt
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
South-western Malay Peninsula (Pahang, perhaps Perak); also given as Thailand and Malaysia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–10 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to moderate light; CO2 not needed

Care

Cryptocoryne affinis is a crypt from the Malay Peninsula and one of the longest-established species in the aquarium trade, once sold as C. haerteliana. Its lance-shaped leaves, 15–30 cm long, are bluish or dark green above with paler veins and deep reddish purple beneath. It is one of the hardiest crypts: plant it in the midground in groups, where it soon spreads into a dense stand. It copes with moderate light and is not fussy about water, though it prefers softer water and is sensitive to calcium and very hard water. Wikipedia gives normal tropical temperatures of about 22–26 °C. Like other crypts it can "melt" after planting or big water changes, but recovers. It flowers even fully submerged, which is unusual for a crypt, but rarely flowers when grown emersed. pH and hardness are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocoryneaffinis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads readily by runners; cut off daughter plants and replant them.

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.

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