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Cryptocoryne affinis
BeginnerCryptocoryne affinis
A Malay Peninsula Cryptocoryne with silky dark green leaves, a pale midrib and a wine-red to purple underside. It grows in low light without CO2 and spreads by underground runners into dense stands.
About
Cryptocoryne affinis is an aroid from the western Malay Peninsula, where it forms dense, mostly submerged stands on sand and gravel bars in fast streams, partly in limestone areas. Known in aquaria from about 1939 and hugely popular in the 1950s under the synonym C. haerteliana, it was once 'the common Crypt'. The leaves identify it: oblong-ovate to lanceolate with a silky sheen, dark green with a conspicuous pale green to yellowish midrib, and an underside ranging from light green to deep wine red. Strongly bullate forms have been sold wrongly as C. bullosa or 'pseudo-bullosa'. Certain identification needs the flower, whose spathe limb is dark purple inside and twisted into 4–15 turns, but it rarely blooms in cultivation. In bright light with loose planting the leaves spread into a carpet about 10 cm high; in shade and dense stands it reaches about 40 cm. Other species such as C. wendtii are sometimes sold under this name, so check leaf features when buying. Imported potted plants are sold by specialist shops in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Cryptocoryne affinis
The Cryptocoryne affinis grows to 10–40 cm tall depending on light and density.
Temperature & humidity for the Cryptocoryne affinis
The ideal temperature for the Cryptocoryne affinis is 22〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Western Malay Peninsula (Malaysia)
Lifespan
Perennial; keeps spreading by runners
Size
10–40 cm tall depending on light and density
Temperature
22〜26℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2; benefits from substrate fertiliser
Growing Tips
Lighting
Low to medium light. Brighter light keeps it low and spreading; shade makes it taller.
CO2 & Fertilizer
Does well in low-tech tanks without CO2.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 22–26°C, pH 6–8.
Substrate & Attachment
Roots strongly; plant in a nutritious substrate.
Trimming & Propagation
Produces daughter plants on underground runners, slowly forming dense stands; separate and replant them.
Cautions
Sudden changes in light or water, or replanting, can trigger 'crypt melt'. If the rhizome survives, new leaves will follow, so leave it in place. Never release plants into the wild.
Cryptocoryne affinis FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Cryptocoryne affinis?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Cryptocoryne affinis?
The ideal temperature for Cryptocoryne affinis is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Cryptocoryne affinis get?
The mature size of Cryptocoryne affinis is 10–40 cm tall depending on light and density. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Cryptocoryne affinis?
Cryptocoryne affinis: watering & fertilizer — Grows without CO2; benefits from substrate fertiliser. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Cryptocoryne affinis?
The price of Cryptocoryne affinis varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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