A robust and aesthetic plant from Sri Lanka
Cryptocoryne undulata 'Broad Leaf' is distinguished by its broad, wavy leaves that can reach 30 cm in height. Its colors vary depending on growing conditions: under low light, it will display a beautiful brownish-green, while brighter lighting and nutrient supplementation promote a more pronounced reddish-brown hue and more compact growth. What makes it so attractive is its adaptability. It grows equally well in a heavily planted tank or in a simpler aquarium, even without CO2 injection.
It is cultivated in the slow-moving, sandy rivers of the central plateau of Sri Lanka, often alongside its cousins such as C. beckettii. In aquariums, it appreciates a temperature between 15 and 28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and tolerates soft to medium-hard water (GH of 1 to 15). Thanks to its dense foliage, it offers numerous natural hiding places for your fish and shrimp. An aesthetic and functional solution.
Easy maintenance and controlled growth
No need for sophisticated equipment or rigorous maintenance to enjoy this plant. It settles in quietly, provided you prepare it well: gently remove it from its in vitro pot, remove all the rock wool, and lightly prune any overly long roots. Then plant it in a nutritious substrate or directly in a pot if you want to limit its spread.
Beware, however, of a common phenomenon among Cryptocorynes: “melting” . Due to the change between emerged and submerged cultivation, it is possible that the plant loses all its leaves in the first few weeks. Don’t panic! New shoots will appear quickly once acclimated.
This Cryptocoryne is also known to produce stolons from its rhizome, which allows the plant to spread gradually. If you don't want it to spread everywhere, it's best to contain it in a small pot. Finally, for optimal growth, ensure a good filter and regular maintenance such as filter cleaning .
And even though it's slow growing, it's well worth the effort. Once established, it adds a natural, rustic, and warm touch to any aquarium. It's an ideal plant for creating a contrasting, rich, and vibrant aquatic landscape.
A safe choice for a natural and harmonious aquarium
Thanks to its resilience and adaptability, Cryptocoryne undulata 'Broad Leaf' is one of those plants that can be kept in your tank for a long time. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, it fits easily into most tanks. It tolerates both still and gently churned waters, and can even thrive in a river-type aquarium.
To enhance your decor, combine it with an aquarium root or some aquarium sand . And to boost your setup, nothing beats adding bacteria during installation. In just a few weeks, you'll be enjoying a healthy, colorful, and vibrant plant.
