Cryptocorynes for Vivariums & Aquariums

Cryptocorynes are rooted aquarium plants known for their hardiness, leaf diversity, and adaptability to blackwater and botanical method aquariums. Native to slow-moving streams and forested wetlands across Southeast Asia, these plants thrive in nutrient-rich substrates and dimly lit environments, making them a natural fit for tannin-stained water and aquascapes that emphasize ecological function.

From the broad, rippled leaves of Crypt wendtii to the reddish hues of Crypt undulata or the elongated forms of Crypt balansae, each variety contributes texture, shelter, and biofilm growth zones for shrimp and microfauna. These plants adapt well to emersed or submerged growth, though they prefer stability once established. Crypt “melt” is a common adjustment phase when transitioning to a new tank, but regrowth is typically strong and resilient.

5 products

A rooted cryptocoryne spiralis with tall green leaves in a blackwater aquarium with dark substrate at Betta Botanicals.

Cryptocoryne Spiralis
$7.99
$7.99
A rooted portion of Cryptocoryne Wendtii red with ruffled red foliage in a blackwater aquarium with a dark substrate at Betta Botanicals.

Portion: Green

Cryptocoryne Wendtii (Red, Green, or Brown)
from $6.99
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A rooted portion of Cryptocoryne undulata with lime green and brown leaves in a blackwater aquarium with a dark substrate at Betta Botanicals.

Cryptocoryne Undulata
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A bare root cryptocoryne balansae with a quarter for scale against a white backdrop for use in blackwater aquariums at Betta Botanicals.

Cryptocoryne Balansae
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A rooted Cryptocoryne Wendtii Tropica plant with green hammered leaves for blackwater aquariums at Betta Botanicals.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii 'Tropica'
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$8.99
$9.99

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Build Your Ecosystem

Aquarium botanicals have varying levels of durability, which is predictive of the leafs waxy coating and the seed pods woody composition. All types are equally important to the botanical aquarium as they build different layers of the ecosystem.