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Wendt's water trumpet (Cryptocoryne wendtii)

Cryptocoryne wendtii is a perennial herb and, in aquarium cultivation, forms a stolon-bearing rosette. It is generally reported to be perennial.

LightIt is reported to have low light requirements, to grow in shade, and not to require strong light; it tolerates low light.
WaterIt is reported to tolerate a broad range of water hardness, while sudden changes in environmental conditions should be avoided.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer high humidity.
TemperatureWith few sources, the reported temperature range is about 15 °C to 30 °C.
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Wendt's water trumpet illustration

Overview

Cryptocoryne wendtii is a perennial herb and, in aquarium cultivation, forms a stolon-bearing rosette. It is generally reported to be perennial.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ: the species is described as native to Sri Lanka, while 'Brown' trade information gives only Asia as its origin.

Characteristics

Sources differ, with limited evidence indicating a mature height of about 25 cm. It is reported to grow slowly. Its leaves are reported to range from dark olive green to brown and form a rosette.

Light

It is reported to have low light requirements, to grow in shade, and not to require strong light; it tolerates low light.

Watering

It is reported to tolerate a broad range of water hardness, while sudden changes in environmental conditions should be avoided.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

With few sources, the reported temperature range is about 15 °C to 30 °C.

Growing medium and mounting

For emersed cultivation, it is reported that a moist, nutrient-rich substrate can be used, such as aquatic-plant soil. It is generally reported to suit a moisture-retentive mix.

Feeding

It is reported that Cryptocoryne wendtii can be grown without added CO2; trade information recommends aquatic-plant fertilizer and a nutrient-rich substrate in a new aquarium to promote growth.

Propagation

It can be propagated from plantlets that form near stolons or rhizomes; the plantlets can be cut free and planted separately.

Common problems

A phenomenon commonly called Cryptocoryne melt or Cryptocoryne rot is reported, in which leaves suddenly become transparent and fall off. Sudden changes in growing conditions may cause extensive leaf melt over a short period, after which leaves adapted to the new conditions may regrow; one source also reports that dead leaves left in the aquarium may contribute to problems such as increased algae growth.

Identification

It is reported to be distinguished mainly by its brown-toned leaves and stolon-bearing rosette form, and to be suitable for the middle area of an aquarium.

Photos

Cryptocoryne wendtii
📷 Haplochromis · CC BY 2.5 · source

Sources