🌿 All About Cryptocoryne crispatula var. 'tonkinensis' – Growow TC Plant

Cryptocoryne crispatula var. 'tonkinensis' is a long, narrow-leaved aquarium plant from the Cryptocoryne family, valued for its unique grass-like appearance and ability to grow tall with elegant, ribbon-like leaves. It’s a fantastic choice for background planting, especially in larger or open tanks.

As a Growow Tissue Culture (TC) plant, this version of C. tonkinensis is 100% pest-, algae-, and snail-free, making it safe and ideal for introducing into clean aquascapes or sensitive shrimp setups.

🔍 Quick Overview

• Scientific Name: Cryptocoryne crispatula var. tonkinensis

• Common Name: Crypt Tonkinensis

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos)

• Type: Rooted rosette plant

• Position in Tank: Background

🌱 Plant Features

• Height: 30–60+ cm

• Leaf Shape: Long, narrow, grass-like, often spiraled or wavy

• Leaf Color: Green to light olive

• Growth Habit: Vertical, arching leaves that sway in current

• Growth Speed: Moderate

• Propagation: Runners (from root system)

💧 Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Medium (can tolerate low, but thrives in better light)

• CO₂: Not required but recommended for best growth and height

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich or aquasoil (heavy root feeder)

• Water pH: 6.0–7.5

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🧪 Growow Tissue Culture Benefits

• 100% sterile – free from algae, snails, and diseases

• Ready for direct planting – no quarantine needed

• Excellent for nano, shrimp, and competition-level aquascapes

• Grows healthier from the start compared to emersed forms

🌟 Why Choose C. crispatula 'tonkinensis'?

• Offers a natural, wild look with its long grassy leaves

• One of the tallest Cryptocorynes, perfect for background design

• Easy to care for once established

• Suitable for low-tech tanks, though grows better with CO₂

• Adds movement and height in planted layouts

• Less prone to crypt melt compared to other variants

🧠 Aquascaping Tips

• Best used in background or corners of large tanks

• Avoid planting in strong direct flow – prefers gentle current

• Use in natural riverbed or jungle layouts

• Great companions:

  • Vallisneria nana, Limnophila aromatica, or Crypt. wendtii

  • Rocks and driftwood for contrast

• Trim only if needed – let it sway naturally for best aesthetic

💡 Pro Tip: Give it space to spread! This Crypt will expand through runners and eventually form elegant, grassy clumps in the background.