Willis's Cryptocoryne

Cryptocoryne x willisii

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Araceae

📍 Sri Lanka

One of the smallest and most versatile cryptocorynes — stays compact even in high light. Deep green, slightly wavy leaves. Perfect low-maintenance foreground or midground plant that spreads via runners.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that won't uproot or damage delicate cryptocoryne leaves

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrates that graze algae without harming plants; thrive in same low-light conditions

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant with similar low-light tolerance and nutrient requirements

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy companion plant with identical care needs; creates layered foreground aesthetic

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, gentle fish that won't disturb substrate or uproot runners

good

Amano Shrimp

Efficient algae control without damaging plant tissue; compatible water parameters

excellent

Common Diseases

Cryptocoryne Rot

Symptoms

Leaves turn translucent, mushy stems, foul odor from substrate; often follows sudden parameter changes or poor water circulation

Treatment

Improve water circulation, perform 30-50% water changes, remove affected leaves, ensure substrate isn't compacted; may require replanting in fresh substrate

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, leaf holes; indicates lack of macronutrients or micronutrients

Treatment

Dose all-in-one liquid fertilizer weekly; add root tabs if substrate lacks nutrients; ensure adequate lighting for photosynthesis

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced light penetration to plant tissue

Treatment

Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours daily, increase water circulation, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, manually remove visible algae with soft brush

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf dissolution after planting, usually within 1-2 weeks of introduction

Treatment

This is normal emersed-to-submersed transition; maintain stable parameters, ensure good water flow, and be patient—new submersed leaves will emerge within 2-4 weeks