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?
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.
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.
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.
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 wallichii – Bright red stems and airy foliage
Tropica 's Rotala wallichii is an exceptional stem plant for enthusiasts who love challenges... and rewards. With its finely cut foliage and spectacular pinkish-red color in good lighting, it transforms an aquarium background into a living tableau. It grows up to 30 cm tall and offers a magnificent contrast with surrounding green plants. Very decorative when planted in groups, it requires strong lighting and a well-established CO2 system . Soft, slightly acidic water and good nutrients are also essential to reveal its full potential. A true star for well-maintained tanks.
Fine, colorful foliage, perfect for the aquarium background
Brings spectacular red and pink hues
Ideal for aquascaping tanks and experienced enthusiasts
Hottonia palustris – Fine, dense foliage, perfect for mid-season areas
Hottonia palustris , or Marsh Hottonia, is an aquarium plant with light and very graphic foliage . Native to Europe and Asia, it is perfect for creating a soft transition between low and tall plants. With its bright light green stems and finely cut leaves, it immediately brings a natural and airy effect to the decor. Undemanding, it grows slowly but surely, and its maintenance remains easy even for beginners. It can reach up to 30 cm in height and is ideally placed in the middle or background zone in nano tanks. It grows well without CO2, although a small contribution can boost its density. A beautiful plant, discreet but full of charm.
Fine, light green foliage for a natural, light effect
Perfect for the intermediate areas of the aquarium
