Crinum calamistratum

Scientific name: Crinum calamistratum

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 40 - 120 cm (15.75 - 47.24 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.1 - 7.8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 18°N (0 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 27 °C (68 - 80.6°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Bulb shoots

Origin (in the wild): Africa

How fast these plants grow: Slow

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Origin

Africa; these plants are mostly found in Cameroon.

Propagation

As long as this plant is given the correct growing conditions, it will form bulb shoots from the side of the main bulb. To propagate other plants, remove the mother plant from the aquarium and gently tease away the smaller bulb growths and re-plant these into the substrate. When first planted, make sure that there are plenty of nutrients in the substrate to encourage root growth. This plant will produce flowers if allowed to and they are superb but propagating from seed is extremely difficult and should be left to the experts. If you wish to obtain flowers then high lighting and soft water in the aquarium will be required but once they start they will flower on a regular basis.

Difficulty

Medium, they do need to establish a good root system for healthy growth.

Short Description

This is a very popular background plant in the aquarium hobby. They will produce long and slender leaves that will reach up to the water surface. If given the correct conditions some specimens can grow leaves that will reach up to 4 feet in length. They are sensitive to being moved around the aquarium, it is best to plan carefully where you wish to place these plants and then let them grow there permanently. They are hardy once established, in their natural habitat they can even survive short periods of drought. Even fish nibbling at the leaves should not cause long term damage to the plant. For best growth results, it is best to use a CO₂ system and a low water flow.