Description
The Siamese water trumpet is a variety of Cryptocoryne cordata from southern Thailand. It occurs predominantly in calcareous, shaded flowing waters, in contrast to typical Cryptocoryne cordata which is found in rather acid, soft waters of the Malayan peninsula. There are different forms of the variety siamensis, for example "Cryptocoryne blassii". They are long known as undemanding aquarium plants, however they have become rare in the aquarium hobby.
The siamensis form offered by us (Dennerle short name C30) is propagated by meristem culture and has narrow, lanceolate leaves with an attractive pattern of dark veins and a reddish underside. It is slow growing, can be kept in hard to soft water and has a low light demand. For a long time the plant does not exceed a height of 20 cm and is suited for the midground. However, after a long period of growth it may get taller, especially with low light and ample nutrient supply. With time, it forms a lush, dense stand by underground runners.
When Cryptocoryne cordata var. siamensis is grown in shallow water or emersed, one can expect its attractive inflorescences with yellow spathe.
Cryptocoryne cordata var. blassii originates from swamplands in southern Thailand, Malaysia and on the island of Borneo. It is the most popular variety of C. cordata and very easy in cultivation. This Cryptocoryne is an undemanding slow grower. It needs low to medium light (0.25-0.5 watts per litre), as its natural habitat is in shaded rivers. It does not require additional CO2, however, CO2 fertilisation may have a positive effect on growth. It can be kept in hard water very well. In order to reach its full height it needs a substrate rich in nutrients. The emersed cultivation of C. cordata var. blassii is easy. It only needs low light and should be sprayed with water from time to time in order to increase the humidity. It also needs a nutrient-rich substrate when cultivated above the waterline. In the aquarium, this plant can reach a height of about 20 cm in time, given that it grows in a nutrient-rich substrate. Cut off yellowish or decomposing leaves with a sharp pair of scissors. Its singular leaf form and greenish red coloured leaves as well as the dark red leaf undersides make it an excellent choice for the middleground of an aquarium. In Dutch aquaria this plant lends itself to making "streets".
Source
Flowgrow
Characteristic
Lanceolate leaf shape
Olive green with darker veins
Suitable for the midground
Low lighting demand
Slow growth rate
Synonyms
Cryptocoryne blassii de Wit, Cryptocoryne evae var. evae Rataj, Cryptocoryne evae var. recordata Rataj, Cryptocoryne siamensis Gagnep., Cryptocoryne siamensis Gagnep. var. ewansii Rataj
Complete Botanical Name
Cryptocóryne cordáta Griffith var. siaménsis (Gagnepain) N. Jacobsen & D. Sookchaloem
Family
Araceae
Genus
Cryptocoryne
Misapplied Names
Cryptocoryne × purpurea
Trader Names
Cryptocoryne cordata var. blassii
Category
Middle Ground
Difficulty
easy
Growth
slow
Carbon Dioxide
need
pH Value
4-7
Temperature Tolerance
17-30℃
Carbonate Hardness
2-12 dKH
General Hardness
0-30 °dGH
Propagation
Runners, Rhizomteilung, Splitting, Cutting off daughter plants
Can Grow Emersed?
yes
