Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Also known asSumatran crypt · Heart-leaf crypt
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: nutrient preferred. Propagation: runners.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
| Dirted tank (mineralized topsoil) (DIY soil substrate) | slightly acidic | very high |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to Sumatra, Indonesia, where it grows in slow-moving streams, river margins, and flooded forest areas in lowland tropical forest. The species (Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia) produces broad, heart-shaped to oval leaves on tall, sturdy petioles that give the plant a distinctive upright posture. The species name references the resemblance to the unrelated aquatic plant Pontederia (pickerelweed). Leaves are 8–12 cm long and 3–5 cm wide, pale green to olive, with smooth margins. The broad leaf shape and upright growth habit set it apart visually from the narrow-leaved Cryptocorynes common in the trade. A medium-sized species reaching 15–25 cm tall, suitable for midground placement in tanks of 60 L. Less commonly stocked than C. wendtii or C. beckettii but available from specialty aquatic plant suppliers and tissue culture producers.
Care notes
Easy to moderate care, similar to other forgiving Cryptocorynes. Thrives in low to moderate light with no CO2 injection required. pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water. Plant with roots buried in substrate and the root crown at surface level; root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate supports best development. The broad leaves distinguish this species from the narrow-leaved Cryptocorynes that dominate the trade, making it useful for visual contrast in mixed Cryptocoryne plantings or alongside fine-textured stem plants and mosses. Growth rate is moderate: one new leaf every 1-2 weeks once the plant is established and comfortable. The broad leaf surfaces can attract green spot algae or diatoms under high light without CO2; keeping light moderate prevents this issue. Susceptible to crypt melt during transition to a new tank, as with all Cryptocorynes; leave roots in place and wait for recovery. Propagation by runners, with daughter plants forming 5–10 cm from the parent over several months. A group of 3-5 plants creates a lush, tropical-looking cluster in the midground. The broad, soft leaves make good egg-deposition surfaces for small cichlids and provide shelter for bottom-dwelling fish, shrimp, and fry. Temperature: 22–28°C.