I think it is a crypt.. is it ? - Cryptocorynes

BudiPT · 07-05-2004, 10:46 AM

Hi all, my first post here. Just come across this beautiful looking plant but no idea what they are.

tsunami · 07-05-2004, 03:38 PM

Wow, that's a really healthy looking plant! It is definitely a Cryptocoryne, and definitely looks like it well do well submersed. However, beyond that, I can only guess: a really short, robust specimen of C. crispatula var. balansae? Another form of C. affinis?

Someone else on this forum probably knows.

Carlos

Phil Edwards · 07-05-2004, 06:12 PM

I've never ever seen balansae with colors like that. It sure looks like one of the crispulata group, but without a closer picture I can't make any better guess than that.

Best,
Phil

HeyPK · 07-05-2004, 06:19 PM

Without a doubt it is C. crispatula var. balansae. There is said to be a reddish variety and a greenish one, but the differences may be more to growing conditions than genetics. It is easy to grow. It likes hard water and some calcium carbonate such as bits of egg shell or snail shell in its rooting medium.

Aaron · 07-06-2004, 04:45 AM

I know that plant as C. retrospiralis, a common Crypt often found in the LFS over here. That is the name it is usually shipped under any way. Grown side by side, the differences are quite evident, color, leaf structure, petiole. ( retrospiralis doesn't reallt have one) OR, I could be totally wrong and the plants I call retrospiralis and balansae are something all together. I like the approach that a crypt guy I know has in identifying his plants... the red one, the greenish red one, the skinny one, the bumpy skinny one... ignorance is bliss...

Aaron

fastlee84 · 07-06-2004, 06:31 AM

I'm sure this is a balansae.. retrospirallis usually has spiralled tip. will confirm tmr after reading the oriental plant book.

BudiPT · 07-06-2004, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron

I like the approach that a crypt guy I know has in identifying his plants... the red one, the greenish red one, the skinny one, the bumpy skinny one... ignorance is bliss...

Aaron

thats exactly what I got from the local trader here...

I haven't got any experience with balansae and retrospiralis, & the pics I've seen do not seem to match the undulation & color this plant has. I was told that the probable cause is that this crypt has been submersed in shallow water under full blasting sunlight, which is typical condition of local plant farmer here. If this is any of the 2 possible crypts, how long will it change shape (if ever

), I will put an updated pic.

Budi

aquaverde · 07-06-2004, 11:47 AM

The leaf shape is more like balansae and I've gotten a reddish bronze color from retrospiralis. Considering what you said about the growing conditions, it may not stay red, which to me would be a shame.

What a healthy-looking specimen.

Phil Edwards · 07-07-2004, 07:55 AM

Thanks for the close-up. I agree with Paul, it looks like balansae to me. I hope you're able to maintain that awesome color in it over the long term.

Best,
Phil

BudiPT · 07-07-2004, 10:56 AM

Thanks.. I hope that too

. The post pic seems a bit different than the actual color. If I can describe, it is more of shinny darkish copper color.
It has been about 2 weeks in the tank now (melt some old leaves but new tips grow too). What concern me a bit is I place them in the front side of the tank, and I just found out from the literature that it can grow upto 22"

. I really don't want to move it... I hope it is a short form of balansae.

Budi