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PlantintermediateFreshwater

Cryptocoryne Pygmaea

Cryptocoryne pygmaea

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaAlismatalesAraceae

📍 Southeast Asia

Ask Finn

One of the smallest crypts. Narrow grass-like leaves only 2–3 inches tall. Perfect foreground crypt for nano tanks.

Common Diseases

Crypt Rot (Melting)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; plant appears to die back rapidly after planting

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, temp 23-28°C), ensure good water circulation, and avoid major water changes. Plant usually recovers within 2-4 weeks if rhizome remains healthy

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, pale coloration, or holes in leaf tissue

Treatment

Dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer or plant tabs containing macronutrients (N-P-K) and micronutrients (iron, boron, manganese). Increase dosing frequency if growth remains slow

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating leaves and reducing light penetration

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, and add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus or shrimp. Manual removal of heavily affected leaves may be necessary

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Soft, blackened rhizome; foul odor; complete plant collapse despite healthy leaves initially

Treatment

Remove plant and inspect rhizome; trim away rotted portions with sterile tools. Replant in fresh substrate with improved water circulation and avoid burying the rhizome too deeply

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Quick Facts

co2
optional
lighting
low-medium
placement
foreground
difficulty
medium
growthRate
slow

Stats

Community tips0
Growing in0 tanks