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 willisii

A small, grassy crypt for foreground-to-midground carpets.

Cryptocoryne willisii stays short with narrow green leaves and spreads by runners into a low, grassy patch. It's an easy way to get a crypt carpet effect in low-tech tanks where true carpeting plants would struggle.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable 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.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementMidground
Typical height2–5 in
Typical width3 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
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingHigh
Water-column feedingLow
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature72–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–15 dGH
KH1–12 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.