Description
Cryptocoryne usteriana is a large crypt with longish nubbly leaves, which grows to a height of up to 70 cm. This species usually grows submersed in rivers on the island of Guimaras (Philippines). C. usteriana has long been known as undemanding aquarium plant and is recommended for cichlid tanks. It tolerates hard water rich in calcium. Sometimes it is confused with Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia, however, the latter has much longer leaves.
Cryptocoryne usteriana is a very large Cryptocoryne that can grow to a height of up to 70 cm. It grows mostly submersed in rivers on the Philippine island Guimaras. For a long time, the larger C. aponogetifolia was not discerned from C. usteriana. This is the reason why the plants that are cultivated under the name C. usteriana are in many cases truly C. aponogetifolia. Like C. aponogetifolia, true C. usteriana grows best in hard water. This preference as well as its size makes it a very recommendable plant for Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi Chichlid tanks.
Source
Flowgrow
Characteristic
Grows very large, with bullate leaves
Undemanding, suitable for hard water
Suitable for Cichlid tanks
Complete Botanical Name
Cryptocóryne usteriána Engl.
Family
Araceae
Genus
Cryptocoryne
Category
Middle Ground
Difficulty
easy
Growth
slow
pH Value
6-8
Temperature Tolerance
15-28℃
Carbonate Hardness
7-21 dKH
General Hardness
0-30 °dGH
Propagation
Runners, Rhizomteilung, Splitting, Cutting off daughter plants
Can Grow Emersed?
yes
