Did you know that Cryptocoryne plants can "melt" as they adjust to their new environment? This happens to many aquarium plants and is completely normal!
To prevent the Crypto plant from melting, you must remove all leaves growing above the waterline. Do this by literally cutting them halfway . This may make the plant look less attractive for the first few weeks, but it will significantly reduce organic waste and the amount of melting plants in your aquarium.
If you've ever started setting up an aquarium, you've undoubtedly heard of Cryptocoryne. These spatula-shaped plants are perfect for the middle and background of your aquarium. But what if you discover they start to melt after a while? Don't panic! In this blog post, Indy will teach you how to prevent that, based on experiences from Aquania.nl's aquarium service.
How to prevent melting leaves in Cryptocoryne
- Remove any leaves that have grown above water before placing the plant in your aquarium.
- Cut them halfway to prevent rotten leaves.
- Note: Do not prune Cryptocoryne Parva; it will die if you do.
By removing the leaves that have grown above the waterline, you encourage the plant to develop new, submerged leaves. This reduces organic waste and prevents melting problems in your aquarium.
Furthermore, you don't have to worry about Cryptocoryne species that have already been bred underwater in vitro or other aquariums. These plants generally don't wilt.
Why does Cryptocoryne leaf rot?
As you may already know, most aquarium plants are grown above water. This results in sturdier leaves that don't adapt well when suddenly submerged. Cryptocoryne, and other aquarium plants, therefore often lose their old leaves to make room for new underwater growth.
Don't worry if you see Cryptocoryne dieback a few weeks after planting; this is completely normal. With a well-maintained aquarium, you'll find that most plants survive!
Do you have any questions or are you experiencing a problem with your aquarium plants? Don't hesitate to contact us! We're always ready to help.
Conclusion
Try different Cryptocoryne species; some are easier to keep than others. Every aquarium enthusiast has their own story, and we'd love to hear yours!
