DifficultyEasy
Growth RateSlow - Med
Light NeedsLow - Med
CO2 NeededOptional
Optimal pH5.5 - 8.0
PlacementMidground
✨ Why Ease-Aquatics 'Compact'?
Our 'Compact' Wendtii is Pretoria-hardened and grown for stability. Unlike tall varieties, this strain stays low and bushy, making it the perfect "gap-filler" for midground scapes. Because it is locally acclimated, it is far more resistant to Crypt Melt than store-bought stock.
Advanced Technical Info
- Root Feeding: ⚠️ Critical: This plant feeds heavily through its roots. It must be planted in aquasoil or have root tabs placed directly beneath it to thrive.
- The "Melt" Factor: Crypts are sensitive to environmental shifts. If moved, it may drop its leaves (melt). Don't panic—the roots remain alive and will sprout new, acclimated leaves within weeks.
- Color Variance: Depending on your light and iron levels, leaves can range from a deep forest green to a rich brownish-bronze.
- Low-Tech Champion: This is one of the most resilient plants for tanks without CO2 injection.
Care & Maintenance
- Stability: Once planted, avoid moving it. Crypts hate having their roots disturbed.
- Trimming: Remove only the oldest outer leaves if they begin to yellow. Cut at the very base of the stem.
- Light: Adapts to almost any light level, but medium light results in a bushier, more compact growth pattern.
How to Propagate
- Runner Development: A healthy plant will eventually send out underground runners, producing "daughter" plants around the base.
- Division: Once a daughter plant has 4-5 leaves, you can gently cut the connecting runner and replanting the new sprout.
- Root Tabs: When replanting a new division, always add a fresh root tab to support the high initial nutrient demand.
✅ Is this for you?
- You want a bulletproof midground plant.
- You don't have CO2 or high-intensity lighting.
- You want a plant that adds texture without taking over the tank.