Crinum calamistratum
Long, narrow, deeply crinkled dark-green leaves that grow from a large bulb. The specimen plant for tall African biotopes and Tanganyikan-themed tanks. Tolerates hard, alkaline water that kills most South American plants.
Crinum Calamistratum (Crinum calamistratum) is a bulb aquatic plant for the background (specimen) of a planted tank. It reaches 60–120 cm under good conditions and grows at a slow rate. Light: medium. CO₂: optional. Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH. Substrate: Nutrient-rich + root tabs; bulb sits above the substrate. Propagate via side bulbs.
Care at a glance
Long, narrow, deeply crinkled dark-green leaves that grow from a large bulb. The specimen plant for tall African biotopes and Tanganyikan-themed tanks. Tolerates hard, alkaline water that kills most South American plants.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether crinum calamistratum fits in your tank.
Amaryllidaceae
Bulb
Background (specimen)
Nutrient-rich + root tabs; bulb sits above the substrate
Side bulbs
West Africa
West Africa
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
CO₂ requirement: optional. Light requirement: medium. Under low-tech conditions the plant grows at a slow rate.
Crinum Calamistratum (Crinum calamistratum) needs medium light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: background (specimen). Substrate: Nutrient-rich + root tabs; bulb sits above the substrate It typically reaches 60–120 cm.
Propagation method: Side bulbs. Crinum Calamistratum is a bulb plant.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH. Flow tolerance: medium.
Difficulty: 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this plant with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
