Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii' – Natural elegance and colorful foliage
Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii' is an Asian variety with a wild and refined look, perfect for giving a natural and structured appearance to the front or middle of the aquarium. Native to Sri Lanka, this rosette plant is distinguished by its olive green curly leaves with a mauve reverse , which gives it a crazy charm. It grows slowly, but quickly forms beautiful thick clumps . Very tolerant, it does not require intense lighting, nor systematic addition of a CO2 system , even if these elements boost its growth. It adapts easily to the conditions of the tank and resists well to beginners. An ideal option to add a touch of elegance without complicating your life.
Unique olive green foliage with a very decorative mauve underside
A rosette plant that is easy to grow and very attractive.
Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii' is a smaller variant of the well-known C. beckettii, known for its ability to adapt to a variety of environments. In the wild, it is found along forest rivers in Sri Lanka, often in the shade of trees, in sandy soils. In aquariums, it retains this wild and elegant side, with its 10 to 15 cm wavy leaves that form a pretty rosette about 15 cm in diameter. It can reach up to 40 cm in height at maturity, depending on tank conditions.
Its greatest strength? It grows well even in moderate lighting and doesn't require extensive technical care. However, a good nutritious substrate and regular nutrient intake can boost its growth and intensify its colors.
A robust plant, perfect for well-established aquariums
Like all cryptocorynes, this plant can undergo a "melt-off" when it is installed in the tank: it then loses its leaves, before starting again with renewed vigor. This phenomenon is common when it is moved from an emerged culture (in a nursery) to a total immersion. You only need to wait a little - generally less than a month - to see new shoots appear, well adapted to their new environment. It is also advisable not to plant it in a newly started aquarium, but rather in a tank that is already cycled and mature, with bacteria well established.
Easy to propagate, Petchii produces lateral runners that can be separated and replanted to obtain new plants. It is therefore a plant that naturally thickens over time, without effort. Its ability to adapt to different water hardnesses and temperatures ranging from 17 to 30°C makes it a true chameleon plant. Even without intensive fertilization, it will find its place and offer a beautiful visual contrast in any type of tank.
An essential tropical touch in aquariums
An iconic aquarium plant for over 60 years, Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii' remains a staple. It's often used to structure the front or center of the display, alongside an aquarium root or between a few discreet rocks. Thanks to its slow but steady growth, it doesn't require much maintenance, other than regular filter cleaning to prevent waste from accumulating around it.
Its botanical peculiarity is that it is very polymorphic: depending on the intensity of the light, the quality of the soil or the temperature, the shape and color of the leaves can vary slightly, which gives it a lively and always surprising side. And for those who like to vary the pleasures, it can also be cultivated in a paludarium or in emerged culture, where it sometimes reveals pretty discreet flowers. In short, a little marvel to create a tropical and natural corner in your aquarium.
How to plant Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii' in video?
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' – The slender, easy-to-fix fern
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' , also known as the narrow-leaved Java fern, is an ideal aquarium plant for beginners and aquascaping enthusiasts alike . It grows naturally attached to an aquarium root or rock , without the need for substrate, making it very easy to install. Its thin, elongated leaves offer a fluid and elegant movement in the water . It is not demanding: moderate light, no need for CO2, and a good ability to adapt to different parameters. In addition to being decorative, it also offers perfect hiding places for fish and shrimp . It is a plant that grows slowly but surely.
Thin, slender leaves for an elegant, natural touch
Easily attaches to roots or stones without substrate
Phyllanthus fluitans - A floating plant with red highlights
Phyllanthus fluitans , also known as Red Root Floater , is a floating plant native to South America. It is particularly popular for its heart-shaped leaves , which take on a reddish hue under intense lighting . Easy to maintain, it grows quickly and creates a spectacular surface effect while providing ideal shade for fish such as bettas. Its red roots and white flowers add a natural and original touch to any aquarium.
Unique decorative effect: Red foliage under strong light.
Fish Hideouts: Provides shelter for bettas and shrimp.
Cryptocoryne undulata 'Broad Leaf' - Broad leaves and warm colors
Cryptocoryne undulata 'Broad Leaf' is an aquarium plant native to Sri Lanka , ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Cultivated in vitro, it is pest-free and adapts easily to many aquatic environments. With its wavy leaves in reddish-brown to deep green hues , it brings a natural and warm touch to your tank. Undemanding, it grows well in both low and moderate lighting , and does not require the addition of a Co2 system . Its robust structure and moderate growth make it an excellent choice for creating refuge areas for your fish or shrimp. It is also an excellent mid- or background plant to visually enrich your aquatic decor.
Easy to care for plant, perfect for beginners
Large, colorful leaves, ideal for background
Resistant to burrowing fish and variable conditions
AlgExit is a safe and effective product for controlling the vast majority of algae species in the freshwater aquarium . It actively fights against algae, including beard, brush and string algae.
JBL ProHaru Universal allows you to glue decorations, windows, technical parts, seal leaks in the aquarium and terrarium. This glue can be used underwater and out of water.
Easy-Life 25 Root Sticks are ideal for feeding plants directly at the root . The product contains 25 special clay sticks which are very nutritious and have a high iron content.
Phyllanthus fluitans - A floating plant with red highlights
Phyllanthus fluitans , also known as Red Root Floater , is a floating plant native to South America. It is particularly popular for its heart-shaped leaves , which take on a reddish hue under intense lighting . Easy to maintain, it grows quickly and creates a spectacular surface effect while providing ideal shade for fish such as bettas. Its red roots and white flowers add a natural and original touch to any aquarium.
Unique decorative effect: Red foliage under strong light.
Fish Hideouts: Provides shelter for bettas and shrimp.
Riccia fluitans - A versatile floating moss for aquariums
Riccia fluitans , also known as the water lily , is a highly versatile aquatic moss. Popularized by aquascaping master Takashi Amano , it can be used floating or attached to roots and rocks to create beautiful underwater landscapes. Easy to maintain, it forms oxygen bubbles when healthy and provides an excellent refuge for fish and shrimp. Whether you are an aquascaper or a beginner, this plant will enhance your aquarium.
Floating or fixed plant: Ideal for aquascaping and natural aquariums.
Rich in oxygen: Forms bubbles which indicate the good health of the tank.
Fry hiding places: Ideal protection for young fish and shrimp.
Sagittaria subulata – A versatile and easy aquarium plant
Sagittaria subulata is a robust and easy-to-grow aquatic plant, perfect for planted aquariums. Adaptable and undemanding, it forms attractive green carpets in the foreground and can sometimes surprise visitors by developing taller stems with small white flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it adds structure to the aquarium and provides natural hiding places for fish and shrimp.
Ideal foreground plant: Forms a dense, natural carpet.
Undemanding: Tolerates different water types and lighting conditions.
Rapid propagation: Multiplies by stolons to cover the ground.
Hygrophila pinnatifida - A colorful and easy aquarium plant
Hygrophila pinnatifida is a unique aquatic plant distinguished by its copper, green, and burgundy foliage. Perfect for decorating the background of an aquarium, it clings naturally to roots and rocks, creating a natural and lush setting. With moderate growth , it remains compact if regularly pruned and provided with good lighting . It is ideal for aquarists of all levels, from beginners to experts wishing to perfect an elegant and refined aquatic landscape.
Rotala indica 'Bonsai' – A Zen touch for your aquarium
Rotala indica 'Bonsai' is an elegant and compact aquatic plant, perfect for adding volume and depth to an aquarium. With its small, rounded leaves and moderate growth, it is reminiscent of a miniature Bacopa caroliniana . Placed in groups and pruned regularly, it forms a dense and harmonious bush. Under intense light , its tips take on a reddish tint, providing a beautiful variation of color. This easy-to-maintain plant is ideal for the second or background of an aquarium and adapts equally well to classic aquariums and sophisticated aquascapes.
Aesthetic and compact: dense and structured foliage, ideal for a natural look.
Easy to maintain: moderate growth, suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists.
Bonsai effect: takes on a beautiful red tint under good lighting.
Helanthium tenellum 'Green' – The perfect plant carpet for your aquarium
Helanthium tenellum 'Green' is a grassy plant ideal for creating a natural, dense carpet in a freshwater aquarium. Unlike the classic variety, this 'Green' version retains a vibrant green hue, even under strong lighting . It forms a compact and attractive plant carpet thanks to its numerous branches. Easy to maintain, it does not require complex care and grows slowly, thus limiting the need for pruning. For optimal development, a CO2 system and nutrient- rich soil are recommended. Whether for a nano aquarium or a large tank, this plant elegantly enhances the foreground.
Perfect for a natural carpet: quickly forms a compact aquatic lawn.
Evergreen foliage: does not turn red even under intense light.
Easy to maintain: slow growth, ideal for limiting regular pruning.
Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' – Intense orange color and spectacular growth
The in vitro Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' brightens up any aquarium with its fine, elegant leaves that change from soft green to a vibrant orange under optimal lighting . This stem plant grows quickly and forms a charming little bush that perfectly adorns the bottom of the tank. Easy to maintain, it adapts equally well to conventional aquariums and demanding aquascapes. With regular maintenance and proper pruning, it offers a striking decorative effect. Its ability to change its color depending on the maintenance conditions makes it an ideal choice for bringing dynamism and originality to the aquatic environment.
Elegant foliage and bright colors, ideal for livening up the aquarium.
Fast growth for a bushy and decorative effect.
Simple maintenance, suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists.
Pogostemon helferi – Original foreground plant with curly foliage
Pogostemon helferi , also known as “little star” in Thailand, is an aquarium plant as beautiful as it is original. With its bright green , star-shaped, curly leaves, it creates a superb plant carpet on the aquarium floor. Grown in vitro, it is delivered without parasites or algae, and is ready to be divided and planted directly. Its compact size (between 5 and 10 cm) makes it perfect for the foreground. But be careful, this little marvel has its requirements: powerful lighting , a supply of CO2 , a good current and a supply of nutrients are essential for it to flourish. When properly established, it forms a dense and structured vegetation, which looks great in your tank.
Unique curly foliage for a striking visual effect
Ideal for foreground and creating plant carpets
Healthy in vitro plant, without algae or parasites
