Purpose for this forum on the genus Cryptocoryne

[Art]

This forum is dedicated to the genus Cryptocoryne with the purpose of sharing knowledge within the English-speaking world. If you have an interest in Cryptocorynes, then this is the place for you. Please actively share and discuss.

I started a Cryptocoryne forum back on February 1, 2004 when I was running Aquatic Plant Central. It turned out to be a wonderful location for storing information on growing Cryptocoryne and I'm hoping to leverage that legacy here to continue the journey. My vision is that the OG growers from back in the day will join the discussion and share their decades of experience with all of us and that newer growers lean in and take on the mission.

I am also honoring the life work of Jan D. Bastmeijer who curated The Crypts Pages and promoted the genus around the world. Much of what we know about Cryptocorynes is due to his work. I also dedicate this forum to Prof. Emeritus, Niels Jacobsen, who's work and knowledge sharing continues to be invaluable.

Lastly, an important element of this forum will be to list the English-speaking Cryptocoryne growers and the confirmed plants that are currently in their care. Ideally, we can model ourselves similar to the European Cryptocoryne Society, but that is well into the future.

The image is copyright of The Crypts Pages and shows the inflorescence of C. minima.

 

[4JR]

Accidental flowering of Cryptocoryne Cilata write up.
I forgot about an established 10 gal aquarium, now neglected with no fish and located where it received diffused morning light.

Forgot about it until multiple mosquitos were attacking me each night. Achieved a 80% kill rate in the dark with practice. Listen, track, clap. The skills we learn from our hobby!

Here is what I discovered. The water level through evaporation was only a few inches deep. The Crypts plant's leaves were now almost all emergent. The tank gravel had a build up of natural 'botanicals'.

I suspect by accident I had created conditions similar to abundant rainfall and then drought as it occurs in the natural environment.

Temp 60's to 80's F.
Tap water conductivity was 220ms, I suspect the tank water was higher due to evaporation. No water added during evap period. No fertilizer, only well established undisturbed gravel with decayed leaf litter (the mosquito bait).

I didn't try germinating the seeds as life was busy. The flowers were at the top of a long spike.

John

 

[4JR]

Forgot to mention the leaves were the better part of 14".