🌿 Cryptocoryne spiralis ‘Red Velvet’

🔹 Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Order: Alismatales

• Family: Araceae

• Genus: Cryptocoryne

• Species: Cryptocoryne spiralis

• Variety: ‘Red Velvet’ (cultivar)

🔹 Common Names

• Crypt Red Velvet

• Spiralis Red Velvet

• Crypt Spiralis

🔹 Origin

• Native to India & Sri Lanka (especially found in slow-moving rivers, ponds, marshes).

• ‘Red Velvet’ is a selected variant of C. spiralis, prized for its intense red leaves with velvet-like texture.

🔹 Appearance

• Leaves: Long, narrow, spiraled edges with a velvety red underside and reddish-brown to deep burgundy topside.

• Height: 25–40 cm, sometimes taller in nutrient-rich conditions.

• Growth Form: Rosette plant (grows from the base, no stem).

• Adds strong midground to background contrast in aquascapes.

🔹 Aquarium Care

• Tank Position: Midground to background.

• Lighting: Medium to high light brings out stronger red coloration.

• Substrate: Rich nutrient substrate (soil-based or aquasoil). Crypts are heavy root feeders.

• CO₂: Not strictly required, but supplemental CO₂ enhances growth and deeper coloration.

• Fertilization: Root tabs essential; liquid iron fertilizer improves red tones.

🔹 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral ideal)

• Hardness: Soft to medium-hard water

🔹 Growth Rate

• Moderate (slower than stem plants, but stable once rooted).

• Needs patience after planting – may take weeks to adapt.

🔹 Special Notes

• Crypt Melt: Common after introduction to a new tank (leaves melt away due to parameter change). New growth will re-emerge once roots adapt.

• Once settled, it is very hardy and long-lived.

🔹 Propagation

• Via runners (new shoots sprout from roots).

• Can be gently separated and replanted.

🔹 Aquascaping Use

• Perfect as a midground / background accent plant.

• Works beautifully in nature aquariums and Dutch-style layouts.

• Contrasts well with green plants (e.g., Vallisneria, Hygrophila, Java fern).

🔹 Difficulty Level

• Easy to Moderate (once established).

• Suitable for beginners willing to wait through the initial adaptation phase.

✅ Summary:
Cryptocoryne spiralis ‘Red Velvet’ is a striking red aquarium plant with long spiraled leaves and velvet texture. It thrives in nutrient-rich substrate, medium-high light, and stable water conditions. While it may undergo crypt melt initially, once established it is hardy, slow-growing, and an excellent choice for adding red contrast to aquascapes.