Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii'

Brown rosettes spread quickly into dense clumps after planting; the leaves are red-brown with a slightly wavy edge — a good contrast with other plants.

Undemanding, like all the Sri Lankan crypts: soft and hard water suit it equally, light matters hardly at all, though it grows better in better light. In a rich substrate it grows faster; it welcomes fertiliser and CO₂ but grows readily without them too. Above water it grows in damp, rich soil and often flowers there; daily misting helps. Propagation is easy: offshoots on the rhizome are separated and planted. Easy, growth moderate, light from dim to strong, CO₂ 5–40 mg/l, temperature 22–26 °C.

Midground, if trimmed and kept in shape; foreground in a group.

Originally described as a separate species, Cryptocoryne petchii, and this name is still in use in the trade. In the hobby for more than 60 years and easy to find.