overviewCryptocoryne crispatula, also known as the Balansae
plant, has very long, thin leaves with ruffled edges and
relatively short stems. This plant is amphibious, and when grown
out of the water, the leaves will shorten, lose the ruffle, and
take on a rounded appearance. The Balansae plant requires a
moderate amount of attention to maintain, but is rather flexible
in the location of the aquarium where it can be incorporated.
Plant the Balansae plant in the background, or sides of the
aquarium, or use it as a focal point in the larger aquarium. It
can also be used as a mid-ground plant in the smaller aquarium,
by removing the mature leaves, in order to keep the plant short.
It requires a moderate level of light of 2 to 3 watts per gallon
provided by full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. Reproduction
within this species is by adventitious plants, or by seed. Allow
the new plant to form its own leaves prior to separating it from
the mother plant, and relocating it in the aquarium. The
Balansae plant benefits fro