Does Cryptocoryne Wendtii need CO2?

No. Cryptocoryne Wendtii grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.

What light does Cryptocoryne Wendtii need?

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is a low-light plant. Standard aquarium LEDs cover this with room to spare. It is one of the plants you can light from a basic shop hood and still get growth.

Is Cryptocoryne Wendtii safe for shrimp?

Yes. Cryptocoryne Wendtii is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easylow lightNo CO2slow growthrosette

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii

Also: Crypt Wendtii, Red Wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii is a resilient, slow-growing rosette plant widely available in many leaf-colour variants (green, brown, red). Once established, it spreads naturally via runners. It may melt back after a change in conditions, new growth will be adapted to your tank.

Evidence: verifiedConfidence: high

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy

Lightlow

CO2Not needed

FertiliserNot essential

Growth rateslow

Max height20cm

Placementmidground

Min tank20L

Water parameters

Temperature22–28°C

pH6–8

Shrimp safeYes

Herbivore risknone

Propagationrunners

Beginner guidance

Expect melting leaves after purchase, do not uproot; wait for recovery. Root tabs help in inert substrate. Once established, it is very hardy. Spreads slowly to form a mid-tank cluster.

Cautions

Crypt melt is normal after purchase; do not disturb the roots.

Sources

Cryptocoryne wendtii. Wikipedia — Species overview: Sri Lanka origin, colour variants, and 'Crypt melt' acclimation behaviour.
Cryptocoryne wendtii. Flowgrow — Care parameters, colour variants, and runner propagation.

Fish whose water overlaps

Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.

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Plan the tank around this plant

Set a 20L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Cryptocoryne Wendtii.

Open pair checker Tank builder

Tank hubs: 30L

Related plant guides

Easy beginner aquarium plantsLow-light aquarium plantsPlants for shrimp tanks

All plants 30L tank hub

Common questions about Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Does Cryptocoryne Wendtii need CO2?: No. Cryptocoryne Wendtii grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.
What light does Cryptocoryne Wendtii need?: Cryptocoryne Wendtii is a low-light plant. Standard aquarium LEDs cover this with room to spare. It is one of the plants you can light from a basic shop hood and still get growth.
Is Cryptocoryne Wendtii beginner-friendly?: Cryptocoryne Wendtii is rated easy for difficulty. Expect melting leaves after purchase, do not uproot; wait for recovery. Root tabs help in inert substrate. Once established, it is very hardy. Spreads slowly to form a mid-tank cluster.
Is Cryptocoryne Wendtii safe for shrimp?: Yes. Cryptocoryne Wendtii is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.