Cryptocoryne Parva Care Guide
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Introduction
Cryptocoryne or Crypt Parva is one of my personal favorite plants for my freshwater aquariums. It is a slow-growing, foreground plant, with small leaves. In fact, it is one of the smallest plants of the Cryptocoryne species.
The following Cryptocoryne Parva care guide is written from a hobbyist perspective and will hopefully help you decide if you would like to keep this wonderful plant yourself.
Cryptocoryne Parva Lighting Requirements
Crypt Parva has very low aquarium lighting requirements. I personally believe that almost any aquarium light will work as long as the light is reasonable to the size tank you have. I currently have a small patch growing under my giant amazon sword plant which heavily shades it.
Cryptocoryne Parva Placement
Crypt Parva grows to a very low height compared to most aquarium plants. It can make an excellent foreground plant or be placed around other larger plants to add details and texture.
When placing Crypt Parva, I recommend planting in gravel or aquarium soil. I find most plants to not enjoy sand, and this appears to be no exception. The picture to the right shows the Crypt growing in the gravel but not the sand.
While it can be used as a carpeting plant, I would not recommend it because of its slow growth. You may want to try something different like dwarf hairgrass or dwarf chain swords.
Cryptocoryne Parva Growth Rate
This plant is a slow grower in my experience. I am sure with CO2 injection, higher light, and strong fertilizing you could get it to grow a little faster, but for most owners it will be slow. I personally enjoy the fact that it is a slow growing plant because that means less trimming and upkeep for me. If you do increase the light and fertilizer, also remember that you increase the risk of algae blooms.
Cyrptocoryne Parva and CO2
As seen earlier in the article, you do not need CO2 to grow this plant in your aquarium. I personally keep “easy” plants that don’t require CO2, but there are those that really like the extra help.
Cryptocoryne Parva Fertilizing
Crypt Parva feeds primarily through its roots in the aquarium substrate. It does not require heavy fertilizing, and for the most part, the fish waste will provide most of what is needed. I would always recommend using some fertilizer for all aquarium plants so that they get all of the elements they need.
For Crypt Parva I would recommend using root tabs like Seachem Florish Tabs seen on the left or some other brand. Liquid fertilizer can also be used but will most likely not be as effective, depending on the substrate.
Conclusion
Hopefully this Cryptocoryne Parva care guide has helped you get a better understanding of this wonderful plant. The plant requires very little lighting, fertilizing, upkeep, CO2 and is very affordable. I would highly recommend all aquarist to get some for yourself if you don’t have any yet.
Where to Purchase Cryptocoryne Parva
Crypt Parva is a relatively common plant in the hobby and can be found at most pet shops that sell freshwater aquarium plants. If you are not near a shop then there are multiple online vendors to purchase from. Feel free to use the link below to purchase some for yourself.
Thanks for reading!