Cryptocoryne albide

Cryptocoryne albida, scientific name Cryptocoryne albida. Originally from Southeast Asia, it is widely distributed in Thailand and the southern provinces of Myanmar. In nature, it forms dense, mostly submerged, accumulations on sandy and gravel banks in fast-flowing rivers and streams. Some regions are located in limestone zones with high carbonate water hardness.

This species has a high degree of variability. In the aquarium trade, various forms are known, differing mainly in the color of the leaves: green, brown, brown, red. Common features of Cryptocoryne albida are long lanceolate leaves with a slightly wavy edge and a short petiole, growing in a bunch from a single center – a rosette. The fibrous root system forms a dense network that tightly holds the plant in the ground.

An unpretentious plant, able to grow in various conditions and light levels, even in rather cool water. However, the amount of light directly affects the growth rate and size of the sprouts. If there is a lot of light and Cryptocoryne is not shaded, the bush grows quite compact with a leaf size of about 10 cm. Under these conditions, many plants planted nearby form a dense carpet. In low light, the leaves, on the contrary, stretch out, but under their own weight lie on the ground or flutter in strong currents. Able to grow not only in aquariums, but also in the humid environment of paludariums.