Cryptocoryne tonkinensis (Cryptocoryne tonkinensis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Cryptocoryne crispatula var. tonkinensis
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
Northern Vietnam and southern China (the name refers to Tonkin), not confirmed by our sources
Water
freshwater
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6.5–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 helpful

Care

Cryptocoryne tonkinensis is a very narrow-leaved crypt, usually treated as a variety of Cryptocoryne crispatula (var. tonkinensis). It is not among the accepted species in Wikipedia's Cryptocoryne article, which lists C. crispatula as a variable species of South-East Asia. Our sources give no specific care details. Grass-like crypts of this group make good midground or background plants and tend to tolerate harder water. 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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