🌿 Cryptocoryne lingua – Care Guide
Cryptocoryne lingua is a less common but beautiful species of the Cryptocoryne genus. It’s known for its broad, tongue-shaped leaves (hence the name lingua, Latin for "tongue") and a strong root system, making it ideal for nutrient-rich substrates in freshwater planted tanks or emersed setups.
🔎 Overview
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Scientific Name: Cryptocoryne lingua
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Common Name: None widely used, often just "Crypt lingua"
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Origin: Southeast Asia (notably Sri Lanka and surrounding areas)
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Growth Form: Broad-leafed rosette plant
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Size: 15–35 cm (6–14 inches) tall
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Placement: Midground or background, depending on tank size
💡 Care Requirements
🔆 Lighting
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Low to medium light preferred
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Tolerates low-light tanks, but stronger light can encourage fuller growth
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Too much light may cause algae issues on broad leaves
💨 CO₂
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Optional – grows fine without, but CO₂ helps it grow more quickly and robustly
💧 Water Parameters
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Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
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Water Flow: Prefers slow-moving water, like other crypts
🧪 Nutrients
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Strong root feeder – needs a nutrient-rich substrate (like aquasoil)
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If using inert substrate, add root tabs regularly
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Occasional liquid fertilizer helps, especially if leaves pale
✂️ Growth & Maintenance
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Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
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Maintenance: Low – remove old or melting leaves if needed
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Adaptability: Can suffer from crypt melt if water parameters change, but will regrow
🌱 Propagation
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Propagates through runners that spread from the root system
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Baby plants can be separated and replanted once they develop 3–4 leaves and roots
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Also grows well emersed, making it good for ripariums or paludariums
🪴 Aquascaping Tips
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Ideal for midground placement in medium tanks or background in nano tanks
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Pairs well with other broad-leaved crypts like C. wendtii, C. pontederiifolia, or finer plants for contrast (e.g., Hydrocotyle tripartita)
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Looks natural in Asian biotope-style aquascapes or low-tech nature tanks
