Cryptocoryne Undulata
Cryptocoryne undulata
Scientific Name: Cryptocoryne undulata
Common Name: Broad Leaf Crypt, Undulated Crypt, Crypt Undulata
Cryptocoryne undulata, or Crypt Undulata, is an ideal midground plant for its wavy-edged leaves and contrasting green to brown color variations. With shades ranging from green to reddish-brown, this plant ideally matches the colors of a blackwater, biotope, or botanical method aquarium. Crypt Undulata grows best in nutrient-rich substrate and stable water conditions. It benefits from moderate lighting but can adapt to lower light settings. We recommend a full-spectrum aquarium light and the use of root tabs to provide fertilization, as aquasoils can break down the tannins in the water quickly.
Caring for Cryptocoryne Undulata in Blackwater Aquariums
Care: Easy
Light: Low
CO2: Not Needed
Native Habitat: Sri Lanka, South East Asia
Tint Tolerance: Low to Medium, keeping in mind that the more tannins you add, the less the plant can photosynthesize.
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 Undulata
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.