TCulture Cryptocoryne Wendtii Affinis Red (Pot/TC Cup)

This especially decorative Cryptocoryne is traded as “Cryptocoryne affinis” and “C. affinis Rot”. It resembles true Cryptocoryne affinis as submerged plant but turned out as a form of Cryptocoryne wendtii when it flowered. Therefore we name it provisionally Cryptocoryne wendtii “Affinis Rot”.
Its submerged leaves have a red-brown ground colour, lighter longitudinal nerves and a pattern of darker stripes. The underside of the leaves is brown-red. In its terrestrial form, this Cryptocoryne develops inconspicuously green leaves with long stalks.
As well as other Cryptocorynes of the Sri Lanka species group, this plant is an easy, adaptable aquarium plant, also growing in harder water. It also tolerates little light but develops better with medium lighting. A nutrient-rich bottom is important. The plant develops a dense stand by its underground runners.
Cryptocoryne wendtii “Affinis Red” is very decorative as a group in the midground, in bigger tanks also in the foreground.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii ‘Affinis Red’ Care in Singapore

This decorative crypt, traded as Cryptocoryne ‘Affinis Red’, is actually a red-toned form of Cryptocoryne wendtii, valued for its handsome submerged leaves with a red-brown ground colour, lighter veins and darker striping. The underside flushes brown-red, giving real depth to mid-ground plantings. Singapore aquascapers like it as a colour accent that does not need the high light or CO2 that demanding red stems require, making it an easy way to add warmth among green crypts and hardscape.

As a wendtii form it is a heavy root feeder, so plant it into nutrient-rich aqua soil to coax out its best colouration. It grows without pressurised CO2 under low to moderate light, suiting low-tech setups. Our 27-29C ambient water needs no chiller, and our soft, slightly acidic tap water suits it once dechlorinated. Expect the leaf shape and colour to shift as it converts to submerged growth, and avoid moving it once settled, since disturbance can cause temporary melt.

Browse the wider cryptocoryne-live-plants range. Our Cryptocoryne Wendtii Red care guide covers coaxing colour, and the wendtii varieties comparison helps you place it among the forms we stock.