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PlantFreshwaterIntermediate
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Cryptocoryne × purpurea
Cryptocoryne × purpurea
Cryptocoryne × purpurea is a rare, naturally occurring hybrid from the Malay Peninsula. Its deeply marbled, bronze to olive-green leaves add an incredibly exotic and sophisticated texture to any layout.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Alismatales
Family:Araceae
Genus:Cryptocoryne
Species:Cryptocoryne × purpurea
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Water Temperature
17 - 30 °C
pH Value
5 - 6
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Low to Medium
CO2
Low - High
KH
2 - 16 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Cryptocoryne × purpurea is a rare natural hybrid native to the southern regions of the Malay Peninsula. It primarily inhabits blackwaters within swamp forests and channels associated with peat forests. Its habitat is characterized by warm, extremely soft, and acidic water, virtually free of conductivity, with a bed of decaying leaves and acidic organic mud providing a humid environment rich in humic acids.
Taxonomy & Genetics: It is a natural hybrid resulting from the cross between Cryptocoryne cordata and Cryptocoryne griffithii. This hybrid status has been confirmed by cytogenetic studies. Due to its hybrid nature, the plant is sterile and reproduces exclusively by vegetative means in the wild. It exhibits foliage with intermediate features between the two parent species, with an intense purple floral spathe that justifies its specific name.
Physical Structure: It features a compact and elegant rosette habit, with broad, heart-shaped or ovate leaves developing from a creeping, fleshy rhizome. The root system, while not the most extensive in the genus, is dense and robust, allowing a firm anchor in the soft mud typical of Malayan peat swamps.
Color & Texture: The leaves feature a dark olive-green or bronze upper side, embellished with dark purple or brown veins that create a highly decorative grid pattern. The underside varies from pale pink to deep purple-red. The leaf surface has a smooth, waxy, and semi-glossy texture that elegantly reflects the soft light of the aquatic understory.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Prefers low to moderate lighting, simulating the shade of its native tropical forest. High light levels can inhibit growth and promote black beard algae on the leaves. CO2 injection is not essential, but a controlled and constant dosage (10-15 mg/L) helps stabilize the acidic pH and accelerates the development of this slow species.
Nutrition & Substrate: An acidic, iron-rich substrate is crucial. The use of a specific aquasoil for acidophilic plants, integrated with iron-based fertilizer tablets, is recommended. Avoid calcareous substrates that would increase
Water Chemistry: This species is demanding: it prefers very soft and acidic water, with an optimal pH between 5.0 and 6.0 and a preferably low KH hardness (2-6 dKH, though it tolerates up to 16 dKH). It is sensitive to high concentrations of dissolved salts and osmotic swings. The optimal temperature is between 22°C and 26°C, tolerating 17°C to 30°C.
Space Management & Placement: Place in the midground of the aquarium. Given its extremely slow growth and small size, it should be positioned away from the shade of larger stem plants, but not under direct light. Plant the rosettes leaving about 5 cm of space between each to encourage the expansion of its rare runners.
Pruning: Requires very little maintenance. Simply cut older or damaged leaves near the rhizome using sharp aquascaping scissors, taking care not to disturb nearby roots.
Risks & Diseases: Highly sensitive to Cryptocoryne melt. Any sudden change in water chemical parameters, especially rising pH or hardness, can cause the rapid dissolution of the entire leaf structure. It is recommended to introduce it only in mature and stable aquariums.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Cryptocoryne × purpurea is a rare natural hybrid native to the southern regions of the Malay Peninsula. It primarily inhabits blackwaters within swamp forests and channels associated with peat forests. Its habitat is characterized by warm, extremely soft, and acidic water, virtually free of conductivity, with a bed of decaying leaves and acidic organic mud providing a humid environment rich in humic acids.
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.
