🌿 All About Cryptocoryne pygmaea (Pygmy) – Growow TC Plant

Cryptocoryne pygmaea, often called Crypt Pygmy, is a small-sized, hardy foreground or carpeting plant native to the Philippines. Known for its slender, grass-like leaves and compact growth habit, it's ideal for nano tanks, foreground planting, or filling gaps between hardscape in nature-style aquariums.

As a Growow Tissue Culture (TC) Plant, it arrives in a sterile, algae-free, pest-free form, ensuring a healthy and safe addition to any aquascape.

🔍 Quick Overview

• Scientific Name: Cryptocoryne pygmaea

• Common Name: Crypt Pygmy

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Philippines

• Plant Type: Rosette

• Tank Position: Foreground / low carpeting

🌱 Plant Features

• Height: 5–10 cm

• Leaf Shape: Narrow, lanceolate, grass-like

• Color: Light to medium green

• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreads via runners

• Growth Rate: Slow to medium

• Propagation: Through underground runners

• Appearance: Soft, delicate, and minimalistic

💧 Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Medium (can survive low light but prefers brighter conditions)

• CO₂: Not required but beneficial for compact growth

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich (aqua soil or root tabs recommended)

• Water pH: 6.0–7.5

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🧪 Growow Tissue Culture Advantages

• Grown in sterile lab conditions

• Free from snails, algae, and pesticides

• Ideal for sensitive setups including shrimp tanks

• Stronger adaptation to submerged life from emersed-free start

🌟 Why Choose Cryptocoryne pygmaea?

• Compact, grass-like texture gives a unique look to foregrounds

• Excellent choice for nano aquariums

• Hardy and low maintenance, great for beginners

• Can form natural low carpets over time with runners

• Less prone to melt than other Crypts when stable

🧠 Aquascaping Tips

• Plant in small clumps a few centimeters apart to encourage spreading

• Combine with mosses, small Bucephalandras, or hardscape pieces

• Do not disturb once planted – they develop a strong root system

• Ideal for Iwagumi or minimalist aquascapes

• Expect a slow start, but will reward with thick growth in time

💡 Pro Tip: Add root tabs if using inert gravel or sand. This tiny Crypt spreads subtly and looks best when grown in clean, well-lit aquariums.