Cryptocoryne axelrodi - Immersed Potted Plant

Cryptocoryne axelrodi is a beautiful and compact species of Crypt, admired for its rich, earthy tones and textured, lance-shaped leaves. Native to the blackwater rivers of Colombia, this species is well-suited for low to medium-tech aquariums, especially where a natural, subdued look is desired. Its reddish-brown to olive green foliage with subtle veining makes it an excellent midground plant in smaller tanks or foreground accent in larger layouts.

Physical Characteristics:

• Leaf Shape & Size: Narrow, slightly wavy lanceolate leaves, typically 10–15 cm in length.

• Colour: Ranges from reddish-brown to olive-green, with occasional hints of pink or copper under strong lighting. Leaf undersides may show a purplish hue.

• Growth Habit: Forms a tight rosette, slowly spreading via runners in stable conditions.

Aquarium Requirements:

• Lighting: Low to moderate light is sufficient. Too much light may cause algae or pale colouring.

• CO₂: Not required, but moderate CO₂ will encourage healthier growth.

• Temperature: 22–28 °C

• pH Range: 5.5–7.0 (prefers slightly acidic, blackwater conditions)

• Water Hardness: Soft to medium

• Substrate: Prefers a nutrient-rich substrate, such as aquasoil or sand with root tabs, as it feeds primarily through its roots.

Planting Instructions:
Plant gently into the substrate with roots buried but the crown (growing point) above the substrate to prevent rot. Avoid disturbing the plant once placed—it prefers to stay rooted.

Care & Maintenance:

• Slow-growing once established.

• Prone to "Crypt melt" if conditions change rapidly (e.g. moving, major water parameter shifts), but will usually regrow from the root system.

• Trim dead or damaged leaves at the base to allow for new growth.

• Stable water conditions are key to long-term success.

Propagation:
Spreads slowly by subterranean runners. New plantlets can be carefully separated and replanted once they have developed a few leaves and roots.

Aquascaping Use:
Ideal for the midground in nano tanks or foreground/midground transition in larger aquariums. Works beautifully in biotope, blackwater, or natural-style layouts, especially when paired with driftwood, botanicals, or leaf litter. Its muted, natural colours provide a perfect contrast to brighter green or red plants.

Key Benefits:

• Naturally compact and tidy

• Hardy and adaptable once established

• Excellent choice for blackwater or low-tech setups

• Adds earthy tones and texture to aquascapes

Cryptocoryne axelrodi is a subtle yet captivating plant that rewards patience with rich colour and graceful form. Though slow to establish, it thrives in stable, low-light conditions and adds a calming, natural aesthetic to any planted aquarium. Its resilience and unique character make it a favourite among collectors and aquascaping enthusiasts alike.

Origin
Country or continent where a plant is the most common. Cultivars arise or are bred in cultivation.

Growth Rate
Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.

Height
Average height (cm) of the plant after two months in the tank.

Light Demand
The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0.5 W/L.

CO2 Demand
A medium need in CO2 is 6-14 mg/L. A high demand in CO2 is approx. 15-25 mg/L.