SCIENTIFIC NAME: CRYPTOCORNE LUCENS Cryptocoryne lucens has green blade-like leaves that grow from a thin stem. Originally from Sri Lanka, Cryptocoryne Lucens is a popular foreground plant that will thrive is most conditions, including hard water conditions. A small-medium sized species, rarely exceeding 10cm. Suitable in Co2 and none Co2 tanks. Will benefit from a nutrient rich substrate. Plants from the Cryptocoryne genus are also often known simply as "Crypts". They are some of the oldest plants to the aquarium trade, having been kept since the dawn of the modern aquarium. These plants have been known to crossbreed in the wild and hybrids are common as well as a number of variations to individual species. Crypts can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Most tend to prefer water with a neutral to slightly higher pH and higher hardness but a few prefer slightly acidic water (pH under 7.). A few species can even survive in brackish (slightly salty) water. They can also grow emerged (out of the water) as well as completely submerged; emerged plants may produce a flower while submerged plants multiple using their root system. Cryptocorynes are notorious for a condition known as "Crypt Rot" in which the leaves fall off and the plant appears to be "melting". This usually happens after the plant is transplanted or experiences another major change in its environment such as the transition between emerged and submerged growth or a swing in temperature or water chemistry. Though the leaves die off, the roots often survive and the plant may regrow over time.
