Cryptocoryne balance

Cryptocoryne balance or Curly, scientific name Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balanceae. Often found under the old name Cryptocoryne balansae, since until 2013 it belonged to a separate genus Balansae, which is now included in the genus Crispatula. Comes from Southeast Asia from Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, also found in southern China along the Vietnamese border. It grows in dense clusters in the shallow waters of rivers and streams flowing in limestone valleys.

The classic form of Cryptocoryne balance has ribbon-like green leaves up to 50 cm long and about 2 cm wide with a wavy edge. Several varieties are common in the aquarium hobby, differing in width (1.5–4 cm) and leaf color (from light green to bronze). May bloom when grown in shallow water; peduncle arrows minimal. Outwardly, it resembles reverse-spiral Cryptocoryne, so they are often confused for sale or even sold under the same name. Differs in narrower leaves up to 1 cm wide.

Curly Cryptocoryne is popular in the aquarium hobby due to its hardiness and ability to grow in a variety of conditions. In the summer, it can be planted in open ponds. Despite its unpretentiousness, nevertheless, there is a certain optimum at which the plant shows itself in all its glory. Ideal conditions are hard carbonate water, nutrient substrate rich in phosphates, nitrates and iron, additional introduction of carbon dioxide. It should be noted that calcium deficiency in water is manifested in the deformation of the curvature of the leaves.