Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae
The 'tall crypt', long bullate (puckered) blades that grow to 60 cm and lean with flow, looking like an underwater grass field. Tolerates harder water than most crypts (a rarity), so it's the natural choice for SA tap. Will melt when moved, like every Cryptocoryne, don't dig it up, just leave it alone and it regrows.
Cryptocoryne Balansae (Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae) is a rosette / heavy root feeder aquatic plant for the background of a planted tank. It reaches 40–60 cm under good conditions and grows at a slow to medium rate. Light: low to medium. CO₂: none to optional. Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and 4–18 dGH. Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate + root tabs essential. Propagate via runners.
Care at a glance
The 'tall crypt', long bullate (puckered) blades that grow to 60 cm and lean with flow, looking like an underwater grass field. Tolerates harder water than most crypts (a rarity), so it's the natural choice for SA tap. Will melt when moved, like every Cryptocoryne, don't dig it up, just leave it alone and it regrows.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether cryptocoryne balansae fits in your tank.
Araceae
Rosette / Heavy Root Feeder
Background
Nutrient-rich substrate + root tabs essential
Runners
Fast-flowing limestone rivers of Indochina
Thailand
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: none to optional. Light requirement: low to medium. Under low-tech conditions the plant grows at a slow to medium rate.
Cryptocoryne Balansae (Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae) needs low to medium light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: background. Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate + root tabs essential It typically reaches 40–60 cm.
Propagation method: Runners. Cryptocoryne Balansae is a rosette / heavy root feeder plant.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and 4–18 dGH. Flow tolerance: low to 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.
