Cryptocoryne Wendtii 'Green'

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green' — Green Wendt's Crypt

A bulletproof, ruffled-leaf rosette plant that quietly fills the midground in any low-tech tank

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green' is one of the true staples of the aquarium hobby — beloved for being almost impossible to kill and thriving in conditions that defeat fussier plants. Its attractive, gently ruffled green leaves grow in a compact rosette, adding rich texture to the midground and foreground of any aquascape. Unlike epiphytes, it's a rooted plant that draws nutrients from the substrate, sending out runners to slowly form a lush green cluster over time. Tolerant of low light, undemanding of CO2, and endlessly adaptable, it's the plant most often recommended to beginners — and one experienced aquascapers keep coming back to.

AQUASCAPING TIP: Plant several together in a loose cluster in the midground for a dense, full green effect — crypts look their best in groups rather than alone. Bury the roots in the substrate but keep the crown (where leaves meet roots) sitting just above it. Tuck a root tab beneath each plant: crypts are heavy root feeders, and this single step makes the biggest difference to long-term growth and color.

AT A GLANCE

CARE GUIDE

CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

(Q) Help — my crypt is melting and losing leaves after I planted it. Did it die?

= This is completely normal and expected — it's called "crypt melt." When a crypt moves to a new tank, it often sheds some or all of its leaves as it adjusts to the new water chemistry and lighting. The roots and rhizome remain alive underneath. Do not pull it out or throw it away. Leave it planted, keep your parameters stable, and within a few weeks it will push out fresh new leaves that are perfectly adapted to your tank — often growing back fuller than before. Melt is a sign of adjustment, not death.

(Q) How do I plant it correctly — and does it go in the substrate?

= Yes — unlike Anubias or moss, this is a rooted plant that belongs in the substrate. Bury the roots fully, but leave the crown (the point where the leaves meet the roots) sitting just above the substrate surface. Burying the crown can cause rot. For best results, place a root tab in the substrate near the roots, since crypts feed heavily through their roots. A nutrient-rich substrate or plain gravel supplemented with root tabs both work well.

(Q) Will it spread to form a group, and how do I get fuller growth?

= Yes — Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green' spreads naturally by sending out runners, gradually forming a dense cluster of plants around the original. It's slow but steady, and requires almost no intervention. To encourage fuller growth, keep root tabs replenished every few months, maintain stable water parameters, and give it time — crypts reward patience. If it spreads more than you'd like, simply separate the young runner plants and replant them elsewhere in the tank or share them.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1 Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green' plant, 4+ inches, with a healthy root system ready to plant on arrival. Remove from any pot or rockwool and rinse thoroughly before planting. A period of melt after planting is normal — see the FAQ above.

Ships within 10–15 business days.