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Lutea Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne lutea
Cryptocoryne lutea: a compact and extremely hardy rosette plant with olive-green lanceolate leaves. Highly adaptable and perfect for beginners. Light: Low to medium.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Alismatales
Family:Araceae
Genus:Cryptocoryne
Species:Cryptocoryne lutea
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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
15 cm
KH
2 - 15 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Cryptocoryne lutea is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, where it grows along the beds of forest rivers and in wet pastures of the intermediate and wet zones. It is often found in dense colonies growing emersed during the dry season and completely submerged during periods of monsoon rains. Its natural habitat features well-oxygenated flowing waters and substrates rich in clay and alluvial sediments.
Taxonomy & Genetics: It is part of the Araceae family and is closely related to Cryptocoryne walkeri and Cryptocoryne wendtii, with which it shares many morphological characteristics. Genetically, it is a stable and resilient diploid species, which translates to extraordinary adaptability in the aquarium and low susceptibility to Cryptocoryne melt compared to other species in the genus.
Physical Structure: It develops a compact rosette structure that reaches a height of 10-15 cm. The leaves are carried on upright or slightly arched petioles and have a narrowly lanceolate shape with entire or finely wavy margins. The roots are thick, branched, and penetrate deeply into the substrate to absorb nutrients and ensure stability.
Color & Texture: Submerged foliage shows a refined coloration ranging from olive-green to bright green, sometimes with bronze or brown hues on the upper side when exposed to more intense light. The underside is generally light green or slightly reddish. The leaf surface is smooth with a firm texture and a well-defined central vein.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: It grows well even under very low light conditions, although moderate lighting encourages faster development and a denser, more compact rosette. CO2 supplementation is not necessary for this hardy species, but it can accelerate the growth rate, which is typically moderate for the genus.
Nutrition & Substrate: A fertile substrate or the addition of root tabs near the root system is highly beneficial, as it promotes vigorous root growth. The plant also absorbs nutrients from the
Water Chemistry: It is extremely tolerant regarding water hardness, growing successfully in both soft and hard water (KH 2-15 dKH). The ideal pH range is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.8). The optimal temperature is between 20°C and 28°C.
Space Management & Placement: Due to its compact size, it is perfect for the foreground or midground of the aquarium. It can be planted individually or in small groups to create dense bushes. It should be positioned so that it is not completely shaded by larger broad-leaved plants.
Pruning: Maintenance is minimal. Simply remove the oldest or damaged leaves by cutting them at the base of the plant to stimulate new growth and prevent organic waste accumulation on the substrate.
Risks & Diseases: It is one of the hardiest Cryptocorynes and rarely suffers from sudden leaf melt. However, drastic changes in chemical parameters or extreme iron deficiencies can cause slow growth and yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis).
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Cryptocoryne lutea is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, where it grows along the beds of forest rivers and in wet pastures of the intermediate and wet zones. It is often found in dense colonies growing emersed during the dry season and completely submerged during periods of monsoon rains. Its natural habitat features well-oxygenated flowing waters and substrates rich in clay and alluvial sediments.
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.
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