Cryptocoryne Pygmy

Cryptocoryne Pygmy, scientific name Cryptocoryne pygmaea. It comes from Southeast Asia from the islands of the Philippine archipelago. Known in the aquarium hobby since the 1970s. It is worth noting that another species with the same name Cryptocoryne “Pigmea” is on sale, but the last word is in quotation marks. This is an ornamental cultivar based on Cryptocoryne x willisii “Pigmea” bred by Anubias. Both species are significantly different from each other in surface forms, but similar when grown underwater. Due to the fact that they have similar growth requirements, a mistake when buying will not lead to problems.

A close relative of Beckett’s Cryptocoryne and Wendt’s Cryptocoryne, sharing features with them. Despite the name “Pygmy”, hinting at its small size, this species of Cryptocoryne grows up to 25 cm (the size of each leaf) when in water. But on land in damp, moist soil, it begins to justify its name, the leaves grow up to 5-8 cm. The plant has elongated pointed lanceolate leaves with a wavy edge collected in a bush – in a rosette. Under water, the color of the leaf blade is brown-green, in the air it darkens significantly.

It is considered an easy to care for and low maintenance aquarium plant that can be used successfully in the humid environment of paludariums. Excellent adaptability to a wide range of hydrochemical values ​​and light levels. Nutrient soil is preferred. If fish live in an aquarium, then the need for additional feeding is usually eliminated.