Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae

Cryptocoryne crispulata var. balansae originates from rivers and streams in Thailand and its neighbouring countries. It is characterised by its long, band-like bullous leaves. This crypt has been in the hobby for a long time, it is easy to cultivate and tolerates hard water. It can be planted in the background of the tank, forming large populations, but is also a nice eye-catcher when used as a solitary bush in high tanks.

C. crispatula var. balansae has been in the hobby for a long time, it is easy to cultivate and highly adaptable. It can grow to over 50 cm in height. There are different forms of var. balansae, one of the most common ones has leaves about 2 cm wide. However, leaf width can vary from 1.5 to 4 cm, and its colour may be anything between green and an attracive bronze hue.
A typical characteristic of C. crispatula var. balansae are the bullous leaves with a hammered look. The variety C. crispatula var. flaccidifolia, quite similar to C. crispulata var. balansae, differs from it by narrower (0.5 to 1.2 cm wide), unhammered submersed leaves.

Like all varieties of the Cryptocoryne crispatula group, this plant prefers a place under medium to high light. Under sufficient light, the "hammered" knobbly pattern of the leaves develops more pronouncedly. The addition of CO2 enhances growth but is not absolutely necessary. When continually supplied with sufficient nutrients via the water or the substrate, C. crispatula var. balansae develops into a beautiful plant. It grows fastest and lushest when nutrients supply is ample, especially nitrate, phosphate and iron. This variety prefers hard water, thus a good supply of calcium is important, too - as for most representatives of the Cryptocoryne crispatula group. A calcium deficiency results in deformed, curled leaves.

Make sure that C. crispatula var. balansae grows in stable conditions; sudden changes of the environment may result in Crypt melt (as is the case for most Cryptocoryne species).

*Pictures are not the actual plants you will receive, but a sample representation.