Encyclopaedia
PlantFreshwaterEasy
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Cryptocoryne dewitii
Cryptocoryne dewitii
Cryptocoryne dewitii: an extremely rare rosette plant native to Papua New Guinea, with dark green lanceolate leaves and very slow growth. For experienced aquarists. Light: Low to medium.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Alismatales
Family:Araceae
Genus:Cryptocoryne
Species:Cryptocoryne dewitii
Share
Check out Cryptocoryne dewitii on Atlarium
Water Temperature
22 - 28 °C
pH Value
5.5 - 7.2
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Low to Medium
CO2
Low - High
Expected height
15 cm
Expected width
10 cm
KH
0 - 14 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Cryptocoryne dewitii is endemic to Papua New Guinea, where it lives in small forest streams and heavily shaded freshwater swamps. The climate in these tropical forests is constantly wet and warm, and the plant grows submerged or emersed in silty substrates rich in humic acids from decaying forest leaves. The native waters are typically soft and low in dissolved nutrients.
Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Araceae family, genus Cryptocoryne. It was scientifically described in honor of the botanist H.C.D. de Wit. From a genetic and phylogenetic perspective, it belongs to an isolated group within the genus due to its Papuan geographical origin, making it a unique collector's item in the hobby.
Physical Structure: It develops a compact, erect rosette about 10-15 cm tall. The leaves are lanceolate with sturdy petioles. The rhizome is woody and develops a deep root system that anchors the plant firmly in silty substrates. Propagation occurs via horizontal runners that grow extremely slowly.
Color & Texture: The leaves show a dark olive-green or bronze-brown color on the upper side, with thin, discreet veins. The underside can present pale purple or reddish tones. The leaf surface has a waxy, smooth, and compact texture.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: It requires low to moderate lighting. It suffers under high light, which blocks its development and can cover its leaves with algae. CO2 injection is not mandatory, but given the plant's extreme slowness of growth, a light supply helps stimulate photosynthesis and keep chemical parameters stable.
Nutrition & Substrate: It requires a fertile, acidic substrate. The use of active soil supplemented with root tabs near the roots is recommended. Liquid column fertilization must be extremely mild so as not to promote algae, as the plant absorbs very few nutrients from the
Water Chemistry: It prefers soft and acidic water (pH 5.5-7.2, KH 0-14 dKH) rich in humic acids. It is extremely sensitive to hard, alkaline water and does not tolerate rapid swings in pH or temperature, which cause complete leaf melt. Keep the temperature stable between 22°C and 28°C.
Space Management & Placement: Due to its small size and slow growth, it should be positioned in the midground or foreground of dedicated aquariums. It must not be disturbed or completely shaded by floating or fast-growing plants. Avoid moving it at all costs after introduction.
Pruning: Maintenance is reduced to the bare minimum. Only remove deteriorated leaves by cutting them near the base of the rosette with precision scissors. Be careful not to injure the main rhizome.
Risks & Diseases: It is a species at high risk of Cryptocoryne melt if tank conditions fluctuate. It is recommended to grow it only in mature, stable aquariums established for several months, preferably in tanks of experienced collectors who regularly monitor parameters.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Cryptocoryne dewitii is endemic to Papua New Guinea, where it lives in small forest streams and heavily shaded freshwater swamps. The climate in these tropical forests is constantly wet and warm, and the plant grows submerged or emersed in silty substrates rich in humic acids from decaying forest leaves. The native waters are typically soft and low in dissolved nutrients.
Origin
Australia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
