01
Overview
Sold as a dormant bulb, crispus wakes fast and generously, throwing up wavy translucent leaves that catch light like water itself. From Sri Lankan streams it inherited both quick growth and a tendency toward a rest period after a hard growing season.
02
Aquascaping use
Its rippling leaves make a lively midground fountain or background specimen in community tanks. The pale, semi-transparent foliage glows when backlit.
03
Planting
Rest the bulb shallowly with its growth point clear of the substrate; buried bulbs rot. Do not push it down as it roots.
Plant the tuber shallowly with the growth point exposed
04
Light & CO₂
Low light suffices for vigorous growth, and CO₂ is unnecessary. Its speed comes from the stored bulb energy, not the lighting.
05
Substrate & fertilization
Feed the roots with tabs; a hungry bulb throws smaller successive leaves. Bulb reserves cover early growth before roots take over.
Feeding behavior: Root feeder. Nutrient demand: moderate.
06
Growth, trimming & propagation
Remove spent outer leaves at the base. If it drops leaves and pauses, leave the firm bulb in place to resprout.
Seed; mature multi-crowned tubers or rhizomes may be divided
07
Common problems
- !May enter a natural rest period
- !Buried bulbs rot
- !Large leaf spread crowds small tanks
