Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Brown’ Care Guide

Common Name: Wendtii Brown
Difficulty Level: Easy
Family: Araceae

General Description:

Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Brown’ is a popular and hardy rosette plant known for its textured, bronze-to-chocolate-brown leaves. It adapts extremely well to a wide range of aquarium conditions and is one of the most reliable foreground-to-midground plants for low-tech setups. The plant grows in compact clumps, offering rich color contrast and natural depth to aquascapes. Its resilience makes it ideal for beginners while still valued by experienced hobbyists.

Care Requirements:

1. Tank Size:

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)

2. Lighting Requirements:

Lighting: Low to Moderate

Low light results in softer brown tones, while moderate light deepens the color and enhances leaf texture.

3. CO₂ Requirements:

CO₂: Not required

It grows very well in low-tech tanks, but CO₂ can slightly increase growth speed and leaf size.

4. Water Parameters:

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

5. Substrate:

Substrate Type: Nutrient-rich substrate recommended

As a root-feeding plant, a fertile substrate or root tabs significantly improves color and density.

6. Fertilization:

Nutrients: Low to Moderate

Regular nutrients help maintain healthy growth. Iron and potassium improve leaf coloration and strength.

7. Maintenance:

Growth Rate: Moderate

Easy to maintain. Remove old leaves occasionally. Like many Cryptocorynes, it may experience “crypt melt” after changes, but it regrows reliably.

8. Propagation:

Propagation Method: Runner division

The plant produces runners beneath the substrate, forming new daughter plants that can be separated once established.

9. Placement in Tank:

Placement: Foreground to Midground

Perfect for adding earthy tones and visual texture in the front or middle of the aquascape.

Summary:

Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Brown’ is a durable, beautiful, and beginner-friendly plant that thrives in a wide range of conditions. Its warm brown tones, hardiness, and compact growth make it an excellent choice for natural-style aquascapes and low-tech tanks. A dependable, attractive plant suitable for any aquarist.