Krinum wavy

Crinum wavy or Crinum calamistratum, scientific name Crinum calamistratum. The plant is native to Central Africa. The first specimens were described in 1948 and taken from the Kumba (Kameru) region. The reservoirs of Krinum growth in these places are subject to annual drying up during the dry season, which gave rise to an erroneous opinion about the ability of this plant to survive out of the aquatic environment. It is the smallest species among the genus Crinum, which are used in aquariums. However, if you compare it with other plants, then it is quite large.

The main feature is long, thin, wavy leaves of dark green color, reaching up to a meter in length. One single plant can become the center of display when decorating an aquarium. Due to its size and leaf shape, it is often used in professional aquascapes. It grows slowly, however, it needs a high level of illumination and additional introduction of CO2. Large healthy plants produce several daughter sprouts. When forming the fourth sheet, they can be separated.

When placed in an aquarium, the size and range of the leaves should be considered. The central area away from the walls is the best location. Shading by floating plants should be avoided. Krinum successfully adapts to a wide range of hydrochemical parameters. The leaves are tough enough not to become a snack for herbivorous fish.

In favorable conditions (soft water, high levels of CO2 and light), the plant begins to bloom. A thin stem grows from the bulb, which rises above the surface of the water. It produces two or three white flowers with long petals. Flowering lasts about a week and occurs regularly, about once every 2 months.