Cryptocoryne purpurea (Cryptocoryne purpurea) care guide

Group
Plants
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
Peninsular Malaysia (nothovar. purpurea), with other forms in Kalimantan
Water
freshwater
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
4.5–6.5
Hardness
0–5 dGH
Care level
expert
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 helpful

Care

Cryptocoryne purpurea is a Cryptocoryne (water trumpet), a member of the arum family, from Peninsular Malaysia (nothovar. purpurea), with other forms in Kalimantan. It is a natural hybrid (it is classed as a "nothovariety"); the name refers to the purple spathe. Our sources give no aquarium care details for this species, and it is rarely seen in the trade, so treat this as a plant for crypt specialists. 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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