Cryptocoryne Retrospiralis Vitro Culture
Tall, ribbon-like leaves that twist along their length. Cryptocoryne retrospiralis is one of the few crypts that works as a background plant — it gives a planted tank vertical movement without the trimming a stem plant demands. This is the sterile Vitro Culture® format. What You'll Receive 1x Cryptocoryne Retrospiralis Vitro Culture® — grown in 4-inch bag Yields approx. 3–4 healthy young plants ready for planting Plant Profile Common name — Retrospiralis Crypt, also known as Spiral Water Trumpet Scientific name — Cryptocoryne retrospiralis Origin — India Placement — Background Mature height — 10-16 inches Growth rate — Slow Care Difficulty — Beginner Light — Low to medium CO₂ — Not required, though it speeds establishment Water — 72-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5 Substrate — Required. Root feeder — nutrient substrate or root tabs under the crown. Growth habit — Amphibious rosette; also grows emersed, so it suits paludariums Propagation — Runners Grower's Notes A background plant that does not need cutting. Stem plants reach the surface and then need weekly trimming. Retrospiralis grows to height and stops, which is the entire argument for using a crypt at the back of a low-maintenance tank. Crypt melt is expected and is not failure. Tissue culture plantlets shed their emersed leaves as they convert to submersed growth. Leave the roots undisturbed — new leaves come from the crown within three to six weeks. Plant the crown at substrate level. Bury the roots and leave the growing point exposed. A buried crown rots from the centre. Feed the roots and give it depth. A tall crypt needs a deep, well-fed substrate to anchor and fuel 16 inches of leaf. Root tabs or aquasoil; two inches of substrate minimum. It spreads by runner. Once settled it sends up new plants around the mother — leave space behind it and the stand thickens on its own over a year or two. Want to go deeper? Read our complete Cryptocoryne Care Guide. Notes Like many Cryptocoryne species, Cryptocoryne retrospiralis may undergo a temporary "crypt melt" when adapting to a new aquarium environment. This is a normal process. Once established, new growth will emerge and the plant will stabilize. Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.