Plant comparison
Cryptocoryne Balansae vs Cryptocoryne Lutea
How the Cryptocoryne Balansae and Cryptocoryne Lutea compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Cryptocoryne Balansae vs Cryptocoryne Lutea
The Cryptocoryne Balansae and the Cryptocoryne Lutea are close cousins, both in the Cryptocoryne group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Cryptocoryne Balansae22–28 °C
- Cryptocoryne Lutea22–28 °C
pH
- Cryptocoryne Balansae6.5–7.5
- Cryptocoryne Lutea6–8
Hardness
- Cryptocoryne Balansae4–18 dGH
- Cryptocoryne Lutea2–18 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantCryptocoryne BalansaeCryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae |  PlantCryptocoryne LuteaCryptocoryne lutea |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Thailand | Sri Lanka |
| Family | Araceae | Araceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6.0–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 4–18 | 2–18 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 40–60 cm | 10–25 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | None to Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow to Medium | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Cryptocoryne Balansae and Cryptocoryne Lutea together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Cryptocoryne Balansae or the Cryptocoryne Lutea?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Cryptocoryne Balansae and Cryptocoryne Lutea need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Cryptocoryne Balansae and the Cryptocoryne Lutea?
Placement and light. The Cryptocoryne Balansae works as background, the Cryptocoryne Lutea as midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.