Cryptocoryne balansae

Scientific name: Cryptocoryne balansae

Family: Araceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 30 - 55 cm (11.81 - 21.65 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.8 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 8°N (71.43 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Runners

Origin (in the wild): East Asia

How fast these plants grow: Normal

Recommended substrate: Rocky

Demands on lighting: Medium

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle

Origin

East Asia; these plants are found in Thailand.

Planting Area

Background to Midground

Propagation

This plant will propagate itself by sending out runners from the mother plant. After a while, miniature plants will appear on the runners and these will soon develop roots. At this stage, the runner can be separated from the mother plant and the individual plants can be removed from the runner. They can now be placed in different placements in the aquarium.

Difficulty

Easy

Short Description

This is one of the most common species of Cryptocoryne used in aquariums, it can grow quite tall so it is best to keep it nearer the background than the midground The runners will need cutting back every now and again as in time it will start to bush out across the substrate. Try not to move this plant too often as this can trigger off “Crypt melt”.