Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze' - Potted

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze' is a hardy, easy midground crypt prized for its warm bronze to coppery-brown leaves with a lightly textured, wavy surface. One of the most forgiving aquarium plants there is, it thrives in low light with no CO2 and adapts to a wide range of water, making it a favorite of beginners and low-tech tanks. It arrives as a healthy potted nursery plant with a full root mass, ready to establish into a lush clump. Browse the rest of our freshwater aquarium plants.

Care Guide

• Light: Low to medium. It grows happily in shade; brighter light keeps it compact and deepens the bronze color.
• CO2: Not required. CO2 speeds its slow growth but is completely optional.
• Substrate: A root feeder. Plant it in nutrient-rich substrate with root tabs tucked underneath for the fullest, most colorful leaves.
• Planting: Remove the pot and rockwool, rinse the roots, and plant them while keeping the crown (where leaves meet roots) just above the substrate so it does not rot.

Specifications

In the Aquascape

Crypt Wendtii Bronze is a low-tech staple. A single plant fills out into a bushy midground clump, and a row of them creates a warm, coppery band that contrasts beautifully with green plants and dark hardscape. It shelters shy fish and shrimp and asks for very little once settled, making it one of the best plants for a hands-off planted tank.

Pairs Well With

• Amazon Sword as a taller green centerpiece behind the crypt.
• Bucephalandra 'Brownie Purple' for another easy, low-light plant alongside it.
• Pogostemon erectus to add a fine, bright green texture for contrast.
• Neocaridina shrimp that forage and hide among its leaves.

FAQ

My crypt melted after I planted it. Did it die?
Almost certainly not. Crypts are famous for "crypt melt," shedding their old leaves when moved to a new tank. Leave the roots undisturbed and it will grow back a fresh set of leaves adapted to your water within a few weeks.

Does it need a lot of light or CO2?
No. Crypt Wendtii Bronze is one of the best low-light plants and needs no CO2. It simply grows a bit faster and more compact with more light.

How do I get the best color?
Give it moderate light and feed the roots with root tabs. Richer conditions bring out deeper bronze and coppery tones.

Why are some leaves melting after planting?
This is the normal crypt-melt adjustment as nursery leaves give way to submersed growth. Trim any mush and let the plant settle, and new leaves will follow.