Cryptocoryne affinis
Encyclopedia
Description
Long lanceolate leaves 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long with an attractive bluish-green upper surface, a light green midrib and side nerves. The underside of the leaves is a deep reddish purple. The leaf stems are short in proportion to the leaf blade.Several forms are sold in the aquarium
Aquarium
An aquarium is a vivarium consisting of at least one transparent side in which water-dwelling plants or animals are kept. Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, marine mammals, turtles, and aquatic plants...
trade differing in colour and serration of the leaf edge. Variable dependent on how it is grown and light levels. Leaves dark green above and purple to violet beneath.
Flowers may be produced even when grown completely submersed. The inflorescence
Inflorescence
An inflorescence is a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches. Strictly, it is the part of the shoot of seed plants where flowers are formed and which is accordingly modified...
reaches about 10 inches (25cm) with the spathe elongated into a purple-red, spirally-coiled blade.
Cultivation
Considered easy to cultivate. Reluctant to flower even in emersed culture. The leaves are darker in shady conditions and it will grow in moderate light in the aquarium. Doesn't seem to be fussy as to water conditions and is fine in normal tropical aquarium temperatures : 72-79F (22-26C). One of the hardiest of all the Cryptocoryne's in cultivation. Subject to 'Crypt melt' (see genus page). Sensitive to calcium and hard waterHard water
Hard water is water that has high mineral content . Hard water has high concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Hard water is generally not harmful to one's health but can pose serious problems in industrial settings, where water hardness is monitored to avoid costly breakdowns in boilers, cooling...
.
Propagates well by runners.
Introduced to Europe by Herman Haertel, a German importer.