Cryptocoryne Usteriana

Cryptocoryne Usteriana, scientific name Cryptocoryne usteriana. It comes from Southeast Asia from the Philippine archipelago, it is endemic to the island of Guimaras, where it grows in slow-flowing rivers completely submerged. It has been known in the aquarium trade for many years and is considered an unpretentious, hardy plant.

It was previously considered a variety of Cryptocoryne aponogetonolista, also growing in the Philippines, until in 1983 the botanist Josef Bogner proved that it was an independent, albeit closely related, species. Both plants are very similar. The bush will grow up to 70 cm. The leaf blades are ribbon-shaped, elongated, the edge is slightly wavy. Externally, Cryptocoryne Usteriana can only be distinguished by the undersurface of the leaves. It has a reddish brown tint. There is often confusion in the market when one species is sold under the name of another, but since they have similar growth requirements, there will be no problem growing in an aquarium.

Alkaline water of medium or high hardness is considered optimal conditions for growth. Light level doesn’t really matter. It is desirable to provide nutrient soil. If the aquarium is inhabited by fish, then fertilizers will be formed naturally. Considered a good choice for Malawian cichlid aquariums. Tolerates high pH and dGH values, and its leaves do not attract herbivorous fish.