Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae

Description

Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae is native to southern Thailand's rivers and rivulets. It forms dense submersed populations with bandlike leaves floating in the current. The plants grow up to 50 cm tall, with leaves ranging from 1.5 to 4 cm wide and a green or bronze color. The variety has bullous leaves with a hammered look. The plant prefers medium to high light and hard water with calcium. It is easy to cultivate and highly adaptable, growing fastest in well-nourished conditions. A calcium deficiency can cause deformed leaves, while sudden changes in the environment may lead to Crypt melt. When cultivated emersed, this variety grows slower than when submersed. The plant produces flowers on semi-emersed plants with a spathe featuring purple lines and dots on an off-white background. It can be kept outdoors during summer months and requires regular pruning of runners to prevent overgrowth.