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
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.
Blyxa japonica – Aquatic herb with elegant, dancing foliage
Blyxa japonica from Tropica is a unique aquarium plant. With its leaves shaped like soft strands that undulate in the current, it immediately gives a natural and lively look to the decor. Its dense habit and its olive green color that can turn red under strong light make it an ideal choice for the middle or background of the tank. Cultivated in vitro, it arrives without algae, snails, or pesticides , and integrates easily into aquascapes of all sizes, even nano. Moderately demanding, it appreciates intense lighting , a good substrate, and a CO2 system if possible. A plant that is both graphic and functional, perfect for adding movement and texture.
Dense and supple foliage which elegantly enlivens the decor
Ideal for the midground or background of a planted aquarium
Compatible with nano aquariums, medium-demanding and decorative
Utricularia graminifolia – Aesthetic and carnivorous plant carpet
Utricularia graminifolia from Tropica is a bit of a UFO among aquarium plants. With its miniature grass look and surprising carnivorous properties, this in vitro plant is a sensation in the foreground. It forms a pretty, dense, light green carpet , all in finesse, which dresses the aquarium floor with a stunning naturalness. In addition to its ultra decorative appearance, it feeds on microorganisms thanks to its small invisible skins , a real plus in well-balanced tanks. It loves light, thrives in soft water and prefers a dry planting to root well. With a good CO2 system and a little patience, it becomes the number one visual asset of your aquascape.
Forms a dense, natural green carpet in the foreground
Discreet and original carnivorous plant in the aquarium
In vitro, clean, algae and parasite free for easy integration
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
Blyxa japonica – Aquatic herb with elegant, dancing foliage
Blyxa japonica from Tropica is a unique aquarium plant. With its leaves shaped like soft strands that undulate in the current, it immediately gives a natural and lively look to the decor. Its dense habit and its olive green color that can turn red under strong light make it an ideal choice for the middle or background of the tank. Cultivated in vitro, it arrives without algae, snails, or pesticides , and integrates easily into aquascapes of all sizes, even nano. Moderately demanding, it appreciates intense lighting , a good substrate, and a CO2 system if possible. A plant that is both graphic and functional, perfect for adding movement and texture.
Dense and supple foliage which elegantly enlivens the decor
Ideal for the midground or background of a planted aquarium
Compatible with nano aquariums, medium-demanding and decorative
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' – The most intense red glow
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular plants for adding color to an aquarium. A native of Asia, this variety boasts a deep, vibrant red color that creates a striking contrast alongside light green plants. Easy to maintain, it thrives even in moderate light and nutrient conditions, although strong lighting and an optimized CO2 system are recommended to reveal its full potential. It grows tall, with gently arching stems that form a dense, bushy structure. Easily trimmed, it can be used to create colorful, dynamic, and modern displays in any type of tank.
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
