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Cryptocoryne legroi
Cryptocoryne legroi
Cryptocoryne legroi: a rare rosette plant closely related to C. walkeri, featuring glossy chocolate-brown leaves. Highly robust and ideal for detailed midground layouts. Light: Low to medium.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Alismatales
Family:Araceae
Genus:Cryptocoryne
Species:Cryptocoryne legroi
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Water Temperature
20 - 28 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.8
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Low to Medium
CO2
Low - High
Expected height
15 cm
Expected width
12 cm
KH
2 - 15 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species or variety is endemic to the wetlands of Sri Lanka, where it inhabits the sandy beds of small, shaded forest streams. It lives submerged during the monsoon rainy season and emersed on wet banks during dry weather. The species benefits from clay and calcareous alluvial sediments accumulated along riverbanks.
Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Araceae family, genus Cryptocoryne. Often considered a synonym of Cryptocoryne walkeri or assigned to it as a cultivar, it maintains local taxonomic significance in the hobby. Genetically, it is characterized by thicker, more leathery leaves than other walkeri forms, with remarkable tolerance to carbonate hardness and excellent adaptability in submerged culture.
Physical Structure: It forms an erect or slightly spread rosette about 12-15 cm tall. The leaves are lanceolate, supported by medium, rigid petioles. The rhizome is short and robust, capable of producing horizontal underground runners from which new plants branch off. The root system penetrates deeply into the substrate.
Color & Texture: The leaves are distinguished by a dark chocolate-brown or bronze color on the upper side, with obvious dark veins creating a fine texture. The underside varies from olive-green to purple. The surface is glossy, almost waxy, giving a very refined visual effect.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: It requires low to moderate lighting. Under medium light, the glossy brown coloration is accentuated, and the rosette takes on a more compact habit. CO2 is not essential but promotes a steady development of roots and new leaves.
Nutrition & Substrate: It prefers a fertile substrate rich in iron. The periodic insertion of root tabs promotes the general health of the plant and prevents leaf fading. Weekly liquid fertilization with potassium is recommended.
Water Chemistry: Very tolerant, it grows well in both soft and hard water (KH 2-15 dKH) with a pH between 6.0 and 7.8. It requires a constant temperature between 20°C and 28°C; it tolerates drastic chemical swings poorly.
Space Management & Placement: It is ideal for the midground or foreground of the aquarium. It can be planted individually or in small groups to form color-contrast bushes against smooth green-leaved plants or mosses. Leave enough space to allow the underground runners to develop.
Pruning: Maintenance consists of removing decayed leaves, cutting them close to the base of the rosette with sharp scissors. Do not pull leaves off by hand to avoid injuring the rhizome. Avoid moving the plant once rooted.
Risks & Diseases: It is a resilient species and not very subject to Cryptocoryne melt. The leathery leaves protect it from herbivorous fish, but an excess of suspended organic matter can promote green spot algae on its glossy leaf surface.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species or variety is endemic to the wetlands of Sri Lanka, where it inhabits the sandy beds of small, shaded forest streams. It lives submerged during the monsoon rainy season and emersed on wet banks during dry weather. The species benefits from clay and calcareous alluvial sediments accumulated along riverbanks.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
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.
