PlantLab › Plants › Cryptocoryne balansae

Midground · Beginner friendly

Cryptocoryne balansae

Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae

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✦ DIFFICULTY Easy–Moderate

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

☀ LIGHT Moderate

Around 9 hours is a useful starting point.

≈ CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

↗ GROWTH Slow

Low trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Cryptocoryne balansae

A tall crypt with long, crinkled strap leaves for the background.

Cryptocoryne balansae sends up long, deeply textured strap leaves that sway in the current, giving a background the look of underwater grass. It appreciates harder water and moderate flow, and once established it spreads by runners into a striking stand.

Shrimp friendly Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable

CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

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TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementMidground

Typical height12–20 in

Typical width8 in

Suggested minimum tank5 gal

Suggested tank height8 in+

☀

LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate

Photoperiod range8–11 hr

Approx. PAR20–55

Injected CO₂Optional

CO₂ benefitModerate

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NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingHigh

Water-column feedingLow

Overall fertilizer demandModerate

Iron demandModerate

MicronutrientsModerate

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WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature72–82°F

pH6–7.5

GH4–18 dGH

KH3–15 dKH

PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs help

Plant the crown just above the substrate; roots feed heavily.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Runners / daughter plants

Acclimation

Prone to "crypt melt" after a move or parameter change; usually regrows from the rhizome — leave it be.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Crypt melt after replanting or sudden parameter swings; slow to establish.

KEEP EXPLORING

Plants with similar growing conditions.

Matched from the PlantLab database using light, CO₂, difficulty, feeding demand and placement.