Cryptocoryne spiralis (Cryptocoryne spiralis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Red', Arum spirale
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
India and Bangladesh
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6.5–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light; medium CO2 (about 6–14 mg/l)

Care

Cryptocoryne spiralis is a crypt from India and Bangladesh, the first species of the genus to be described (as Arum spirale in 1779). It grows in marshes that dry out seasonally, surviving the dry season as a dormant rhizome and sprouting again when the rains return. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are very variable, and its spathe twists clockwise. Tropica sells 'Red', with upright leaves 1–1.5 cm wide, softly wavy edges and sometimes a faint green midrib. It grows 20–30 cm in two months and can pass 50 cm, so it suits the midground or background. Tropica rates it medium difficulty: not hard to grow, but it needs good light and nutrition, with medium light and CO2 needs. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocorynespiralis); 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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