Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia (Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Cryptocoryne pontiderifolia
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
Sumatra
Water
freshwater
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6.5–8
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 helpful

Care

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia is a Cryptocoryne (water trumpet), a member of the arum family, from Sumatra. It is found in limestone streams; the name refers to its leaves, which resemble those of pickerelweed (Pontederia). Coming from limestone streams, it should tolerate harder water than the peat-swamp crypts, but our sources give no specific aquarium care details. Like other crypts it grows as a rosette from a creeping rhizome, rooted in a fine, nutrient-rich substrate in the foreground or midground. Crypts dislike being moved and often "melt" (drop their leaves) after planting or after sudden changes in water; leave the rhizome in place and it usually regrows within about a month. Species from soft-water peat swamps are generally harder to keep than those from limestone streams, which tolerate harder water. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocoryne); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Crypts spread by runners from the rhizome, producing daughter plants that can be cut off and replanted once they have a few leaves and roots. Plants grown emersed may flower; the flower is a twisted "water trumpet" (a spathe), and seed is rarely set in cultivation.

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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