Cryptocoryne beckettii
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Also known asBeckett's water trumpet
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: rooted. Propagation: runners.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Dirted tank (mineralized topsoil) (DIY soil substrate) | slightly acidic | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
| Inert gravel (Aquarium gravel) | neutral / inert | none |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to Sri Lanka, where it grows in slow-moving streams, pool margins, and seasonal flood zones, both submerged and semi-emersed. The species (Cryptocoryne beckettii) is a compact, versatile Cryptocoryne with olive-green to reddish-brown leaves depending on light intensity and water chemistry. Leaves are broadly lanceolate, 8–15 cm long, with slightly wavy margins and a slightly hammered surface texture. The coloring is notably variable: under moderate light, leaves are olive green with brown undertones on the reverse; under higher light, they develop more intense reddish-brown to bronze tones on both surfaces. First described in the early 20th century from Sri Lankan collections, the species has been a mainstay of the aquarium plant trade for decades. One of the most commonly available Cryptocorynes and a reliable midground choice for community tanks.
Care notes
Easy Cryptocoryne for beginners and experienced keepers alike. Tolerates low to moderate light, no CO2 injection, and a broad range of water parameters (pH 6.0-8.0, GH 3-18, soft to moderately hard water). Plant the root crown at substrate level with roots buried in at least 3–4 cm of substrate. Root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate supports better growth and color, but the plant survives in plain gravel with minimal fertilization, just more slowly. Growth rate is moderate: roughly one new leaf every 1-2 weeks once the plant is settled. Under higher light, the reddish-brown leaf pigmentation intensifies, producing an attractive warm tone. CO2 improves growth speed and fullness but is not necessary for a healthy, established plant. Like all Cryptocorynes, susceptible to melt when conditions change. Newly purchased specimens often lose their emersed-grown nursery leaves as the plant transitions to submerged growth; the new submerged leaves are thinner, slightly translucent, and display more color variation. Don't discard the plant during melt; leave the roots in the substrate and wait 2-4 weeks. Propagation by underground runners; daughter plants appear 5–10 cm from the parent. A starter group of 3-5 plants fills in a cohesive midground section over several months. Temperature: 22–28°C.