Plant comparison
Cryptocoryne Balansae vs Cryptocoryne Walkeri
How the Cryptocoryne Balansae and Cryptocoryne Walkeri compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Cryptocoryne Balansae vs Cryptocoryne Walkeri
The Cryptocoryne Balansae and the Cryptocoryne Walkeri 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. The Cryptocoryne Walkeri is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Cryptocoryne Balansae rewards a bit more attention. 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 Walkeri22–28 °C
pH
- Cryptocoryne Balansae6.5–7.5
- Cryptocoryne Walkeri6–8
Hardness
- Cryptocoryne Balansae4–18 dGH
- Cryptocoryne Walkeri3–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantCryptocoryne BalansaeCryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae |  PlantCryptocoryne WalkeriCryptocoryne walkeri |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low |
| Max height | 40–60 cm | 10–25 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | 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 Walkeri 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 Walkeri?
The Cryptocoryne Walkeri is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Cryptocoryne Balansae leans beginner-friendly.
Do Cryptocoryne Balansae and Cryptocoryne Walkeri 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 Walkeri?
Placement and light. The Cryptocoryne Balansae works as background, the Cryptocoryne Walkeri as midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.