Cryptocoryne Retrospiralis Vitro Culture

Tall, ribbon-like leaves that twist along their length. Cryptocoryne retrospiralis is one of the few crypts that works as a background plant — it gives a planted tank vertical movement without the trimming a stem plant demands. This is the sterile Vitro Culture® format.

What You'll Receive

• 1x Cryptocoryne Retrospiralis Vitro Culture® — grown in 4-inch bag
• Yields approx. 3–4 healthy young plants ready for planting

Plant Profile

• Common name — Retrospiralis Crypt, also known as Spiral Water Trumpet
• Scientific name — Cryptocoryne retrospiralis
• Origin — India
• Placement — Background
• Mature height — 10-16 inches
• Growth rate — Slow

Care

• Difficulty — Beginner
• Light — Low to medium
• CO₂ — Not required, though it speeds establishment
• Water — 72-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5
• Substrate — Required. Root feeder — nutrient substrate or root tabs under the crown.
• Growth habit — Amphibious rosette; also grows emersed, so it suits paludariums
• Propagation — Runners

Grower's Notes

• A background plant that does not need cutting. Stem plants reach the surface and then need weekly trimming. Retrospiralis grows to height and stops, which is the entire argument for using a crypt at the back of a low-maintenance tank.
• Crypt melt is expected and is not failure. Tissue culture plantlets shed their emersed leaves as they convert to submersed growth. Leave the roots undisturbed — new leaves come from the crown within three to six weeks.
• Plant the crown at substrate level. Bury the roots and leave the growing point exposed. A buried crown rots from the center.
• Feed the roots and give it depth. A tall crypt needs a deep, well-fed substrate to anchor and fuel 16 inches of leaf. Root tabs or aquasoil; two inches of substrate minimum.
• It spreads by runner. Once settled it sends up new plants around the mother — leave space behind it and the stand thickens on its own over a year or two.

Want to go deeper? Read our complete Cryptocoryne Care Guide.

Notes

Like many Cryptocoryne species, Cryptocoryne retrospiralis may undergo a temporary "crypt melt" when adapting to a new aquarium environment. This is a normal process. Once established, new growth will emerge and the plant will stabilize.

Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.

At a glance

• Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
• Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
• Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
• USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
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• Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
• We ship within the United States only.

Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.

The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.

How it works

• Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
• Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
• We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.

Good to know

• Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
• Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
• Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.

The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.