African Crinum

Crinum calamistratum

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Amaryllidaceae

📍 Cameroon, West Africa

Striking background plant with long, narrow, wavy green leaves. Grows from a large bulb and can reach impressive heights. Very tolerant and long-lived. Low maintenance.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that won't damage plant leaves

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, gentle fish that won't uproot or consume plant tissue

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Beneficial cleanup crew that won't harm established plants

excellent

Anubias Barteri

Excellent companion plant with similar low-maintenance requirements

excellent

Java Fern

Compatible background plant that creates layered aquascaping

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Foreground plant that complements the tall Crinum nicely

good

Common Diseases

Leaf Rot

Symptoms

Yellowing or browning of leaves, mushy texture, foul odor from affected areas

Treatment

Remove affected leaves with clean scissors, improve water circulation, reduce organic waste buildup, and ensure adequate nutrient levels

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Stunted growth, pale or yellowing new leaves, weak leaf structure

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one liquid fertilizers or add root tabs; ensure adequate lighting and CO2 if using pressurized systems

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating on leaves and bulb, reduced light penetration

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, and manually remove excess algae

Bulb Rot

Symptoms

Soft, mushy bulb; foul smell; leaves wilting despite adequate conditions

Treatment

Remove plant and inspect bulb; trim away rotted portions with sterile tools; replant in fresh substrate with improved water circulation and reduced organic matter