Common Name: Crypt Lutea Crypt Lutea is a beautiful mid-ground plant with bright green or bronzy oblong leaves in a gracefully wavy shape. It needs high levels of calcium to thrive, along with a nutrient-rich substrate with iron and CO2 injection. In the wild it's often found growing emersed and can flower above water, but grows fine submersed too. Skill Level Moderate CO2 Optional Requires Aqua Soil Yes — nutrient-rich substrate with iron and calcium supplementation recommended Type Rooted (Crypt) Max Height 4-8" Placement Midground Light Level Moderate (approx. 40-70 PAR) — will melt under overly strong light Origin Sri Lanka Other Family: Araceae. pH 6.0-8.0. Slow grower. Propagates via runners. Care & Planting: Remove the cotton surrounding the roots and plant into quality substrate, or attach to hardscape with thread. Cryptocoryne prefer not to be moved once planted — avoid relocating them if possible. A note on "crypt melt": Cryptocoryne are well known for shedding their leaves after being moved, replanted, or exposed to a sudden change in water parameters. This is normal — new, better-adapted leaves typically regrow within a few weeks once the plant settles in. Don't panic if it happens; just maintain stable conditions and give it time to recover.
