Cryptocoryne Balansae
Cryptocoryne Balansae
Scientific Name: Cryptocoryne Balansae
Common Name: Crypt Balansae, Balansae Plant
Cryptocoryne balansae is a unique grass-like, ruffled-leaved, aquatic plant that can help recreate a natural stream bed—an exceptional choice for blackwater, biotope, and botanical method aquariums. Originating from the slow-moving rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, this plant thrives in tropical conditions with stable parameters, making it ideal for ecosystems that emphasize natural processes. Stable parameters are imperative to help prevent Crypt melt, which is a phenomenon that occurs when a sudden shift in water parameters causes the plant to melt all of its leaves.
Caring for Cryptocoryne Balansae in Blackwater Aquariums
Care: Easy
Light: Medium
CO2: Not Needed
Propagation: Runners that appear randomly throughout the substrate
Tint Tolerance: Low to High, keep in mind that the higher the levels of tannins, the slower growth you will get, as photosynthesis is decreased
Native Habitat: South East Asia, Thailand
All Plants may contain snails or snail eggs. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide. Our blackwater aquarium plants are provided by H2OPlants in adherence to their Shipping and DOA Policies. Your curated selection will arrive in their packaging separate from your botanical & merch orders.
Cryptocoryne Balansae
contrast the tint with greenery
While the aesthetic appeal of tinted waters can be quite attractive to us, the recreation of nature—which includes both submerged and emersed plants—is the end goal. Flora helps to improve water conditions, feeding patterns, spawning displays, and territory building.
Aquatic Plant FAQs
DOA Policy
Please ensure that you add a heat pack or cold pack to your orders if temperatures in your area are above 90°F or below 40°F. Click for more info on our DOA Policy.
Are these plants duckweed and snail free?
All Plants may contain snails or snail eggs, small macroinvertebrates, and duckweed. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide. We have experienced the presence of small snails, ostracods, daphnia, and beneficial detritus worms.
Are your plants only for tinted water conditions?
Nope! All of our plants will grow perfectly in untinted aquariums that have CO2 and aquasoils, or low-tech planted aquariums. Our selection, though, is optimized for emersed plant growth and low- to medium-tinted water environments.
What is your aquatic plant shipping schedule?
We’re a small company and ship Tuesdays & Thursdays only. Orders placed Wednesday–Sunday → Ship Tuesday. Orders placed Monday–Tuesday → Ship Thursday
Are your plants just for bettas?
Nope. Our aquatic plants are safe for almost all aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. Many of our plants can be grown emersed in filter compartments, vivariums, or incorporated into wabikua.
What are Tannins?
Tannins are natural compounds released by leaves, seed pods, and bark as they decompose in water. They soften water, gently lower pH, and create the characteristic tea-stained tint found in blackwater habitats. But their role goes far beyond color—tannins fuel beneficial bacteria, fungi, and biofilms, which form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. They also offer mild antifungal benefits and help reduce stress in fish by replicating the natural conditions they’ve evolved in. At their core, tannins are plant-derived antioxidants that connect your aquarium to the same processes at work in wild flooded forests and streams.