Dennerle Cryptocoryne usteriana

Cryptocoryne usteriana is an impressive plant from the Philippines. Unlike many other Cryptocoryne species, it grows permanently under water and is therefore not suitable for emersed cultivation in the greenhouse. For this reason it is very rarely found commercially. The bullate leaves are up to 70 cm long and the leaves are bright midgreen with a reddish underside. With moderate lighting, Cryptocoryne usteriana grows best in hard, alkaline water and is therefore ideal for cichlids from Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika. Even with a low CO2 supply the plant still grows rather well and is very easy to care for. The more familiar Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia looks confusingly similar.