Cryptocoryne blassa is another member of the wonderful genus Cryptocoryne. Like its other close relatives Cryptocoryne blassa is very decorative. But there are also nice differences from its other relatives, namely it is resistant to “Cryptocoryne disease”, which makes it even more attractive for both novice amateurs and pros. It is a large, heat-loving species that decorates the background beautifully. Still don’t have one in your tropical aquarium? You should…
domain | Eukaryotes |
kingdom | Plants |
Division | Flowering |
class | Annuals |
order | Passionflowers |
Family | Aroids |
genus | Cryptocoryne |
species | Cryptocoryne blassii |
Latin: Cryptocoryne blassii
Habitat.: Widespread in slow-flowing or standing waters of southeast Asia.
Cryptocoryne blassa Description
Under favorable conditions it reaches a height of 50 centimeters. It has a horizontally arranged creeping powerful rhizome. It has long petioles, gathered in a rosette with oval leaves. The upper and lower sides of the leaf have different colors. The top has a light olive color with light spots and glossy surface, the bottom is colored purple-red. Can form emergent leaves. Grows slowly but evenly throughout the year.
Cryptocoryne blassa Contents
Cryptocoryne blassa is one of the most unpretentious members of its genus. It is not even susceptible to “cryptocoryne disease” when the pH of the medium drops. So it can be safely recommended even to novice aquarists.
Aquarium volume
Cryptocoryne blassii needs a high, at least 50 centimeters, water body. A tank of 50 liters or more is best.
Soil
The substrate can be coarse gray river sand, small pebbles, granite chips or their mixture. Since the rhizome of this species is powerful, the layer of soil under it should be at least 8 centimeters. The soil should be rich in nutrients, well silted. If you plant the plant in a new, not silted soil, a lump of clay mixed with charcoal and boiled peat should be placed at the bottom of the hole.
Water parameters
Cryptocoryne blassa, like its other closest relatives, is a heat-loving plant. The optimal temperature for it is 24-26 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops to 22 degrees, its growth practically stops. The hardness should be medium and is within 8 – 16 °dH. Active water reaction does not significantly affect Cryptocoryne blassii. A sharp decrease in pH does not cause “cryptocoryne disease”. Although it is certainly not worth experimenting. As for the majority of other representatives of the genus can be taken as optimal pH for it about 7.
Lighting
Cryptocoryne blassa is a shade tolerant species. Although if it is too shaded, it will lose its majestic appearance. Therefore, you can plant it under other plants, but make sure that they do not form a dense shadow. Artificial lighting should be provided by daylight lamps with a total power of 0.3 W/l. The duration of the daylight hours should be about twelve hours.
Cryptocoryne blassa Compatibility
As already mentioned Cryptocoryne blassii is shade tolerant. It is only necessary to make sure that it does not shade anyone, and also does not get into the dense shade of other plants.
Cryptocoryne blassa Nutrition
Additional mineral feedings are not necessary. Cryptocoryne blassii is quite enough nutrients entering the pond with food for fish and with a weekly change of one-third of the water to fresh, tempered water. Although Cryptocoryne blassii itself does not even need water change, and in old water develops even better.
Cryptocoryne blassa Breeding
In artificial conditions, breeding is vegetative only. Under good conditions, Cryptocoryne blassa forms daughter plants on its creeping rhizome, which can be separated when they have three true leaves to be transplanted to a new location.
Additional information
In an underwater garden, it can be placed at the side or rear windows, as the bush is not small and will block most of the underwater panorama in the foreground. But in the background its leaves of original shape and color will create a magnificent background for your fish.
Like other species of the genus Cryptocoryne blassa is a swamp plant, so it can grow well in a humid greenhouse or paludarium. And in a humid greenhouse it can grow and reproduce much faster than underwater culture. For this it needs a nutrient-rich waterlogged soil, air temperature of about 26 -28 degrees Celsius and bright lighting. Although in such conditions, the bush becomes more squat, but can bloom, but seeds are not formed, so reproduction is also only vegetative.
Cryptocoryne Blassa is a very beautiful, unpretentious plant that can decorate any aquarium. And its insensitivity to pH fluctuations make it unique among Cryptocoryne species. So it is worth looking at this species more carefully. It will help you to decorate the background of your large underwater garden. Good luck with your design decisions.