Cryptocoryne parva: the smallest crypt, by the grower data
Tropica calls this Sri Lankan species the smallest of all Cryptocorynes, 3–6 cm tall, and rates it medium difficulty with medium light and low CO2 demand [1]. It needs more light than most crypts and should never be shaded by other plants [1].
Grower data
As published by Tropica Aquarium Plants[1]
- Light demand
- MediumTropica: medium light demand is 0.5 W/L.
- CO2 demand
- LowTropica: medium need 6–14 mg/L; high approx. 15–25 mg/L.
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Difficulty
- Medium
| Type | Rosulate |
|---|---|
| Origin (grower) | Asia |
| Height after two months | 5 - 10+ cm |
| Placement | foreground[2] |
| Growth (second grower) | Very slow[2] |
| Care height (second grower) | 1–5 cm[2] |
| Water hardness (maximum) | Hard[2] |
Name and range
- Accepted name
- Cryptocoryne parva de Wit[4]
- Family
- Araceae
- Native range
- Sri Lanka
- Records
- WCVP via GBIF and POWO
What the grower data says
The two growers agree closely. Tropica rates Cryptocoryne parva medium difficulty, with medium light, low CO2 and slow growth [1]. Aquasabi gives medium difficulty and medium light, calls growth “very slow”, lists no need for added CO2, a maximum hardness of “hard” and a care height of 1–5 cm [2].
The medium light rating is the unusual part for a crypt: Tropica rates Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’, for example, low (compare the two in the parameter table). Tropica explains why: under water this species almost loses its leaf blade, so it needs more light than most other Cryptocorynes and must never be overshadowed by other plants [1]. It is also, by Tropica’s description, the smallest of all Cryptocorynes, only 3–6 cm tall with a rosette under 5–8 cm across, and one of the few that does not change its leaf shape and color much with growing conditions [1].
Placement and planting
Aquasabi lists it for the foreground and for nano tanks [2], and Tropica calls it a very recommendable foreground plant [1]. Tropica’s planting advice is to set individual plants a few centimeters apart; after about six months they form a cohesive, low group [1].
Light is the constraint on placement. A tiny, slow plant at the front of the tank needs a clear view of the lamp, so taller neighbors, floating plants or overhanging hardscape work against it.
Growth and feeding
Growth is slow by both growers’ ratings. Tropica says its Nutrition Capsules in the substrate will enhance development [1]; its fertilizer guide describes those capsules as releasing nutrients over 6–9 months and as suited to established carpets of front plants [3]. See root tabs and nutrient substrates for what manufacturers state about root feeding.
Cryptocorynes have a reputation for losing leaves after replanting; the grower pages cited here do not address it for C. parva. The Cryptocoryne melt guide summarizes what published sources say.
Names and taxonomy
Cryptocoryne parva de Wit is an accepted species in the World Checklist of Vascular Plants, in the arum family Araceae, described by de Wit in 1970 [4]. WCVP records no synonyms and gives the native range as Sri Lanka alone [4, 5], matching Tropica’s description; Tropica’s origin field reads “Asia” [1].
Questions
How long does Cryptocoryne parva take to form a carpet?
Tropica says individual plants set a few centimeters apart form a cohesive low group after about six months [1].
Why does it need more light than other crypts?
Tropica explains that it almost loses its leaf blade under water, so it has little leaf area and must never be overshadowed [1].
Similar plants
- Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green': grower data, size and originrosetteLight: LowCO2: LowEasy
- Dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis): grower datacarpeting, foreground / midgroundLight: LowCO2: LowEasy
- Staurogyne repens: grower data, planting and its Rio Cristalino originstem, foreground / midgroundLight: LowCO2: LowEasy
Related guides
- FertilizersRoot tabs and nutrient substrates: feeding through the rootsWhat Tropica and Seachem state about root capsules, tabs and nutrient substrates: contents, placement, how long they last, and where their own pages disagree.
- CO2 & lightWhat low, medium and high light and CO2 mean in grower plant dataTropica's light and CO2 ratings, the definitions behind them, the three different CO2 bands on its own pages, and how Aquasabi's categories line up.
- Algae & problemsCrypt melt: why new Cryptocoryne lose their leavesNew Cryptocoryne often drop their leaves within weeks of planting. What growers and the research on emersed and submerged leaves say, and how long regrowth takes.
Compare it with the other profiled plants in the plant parameter table.
Sources
- Cryptocoryne parva (plant details, 106). Tropica Aquarium Plants. Type, origin, growth, height, light, CO2 and difficulty; description: from Sri Lanka, smallest Cryptocoryne (3–6 cm, rosette under 5–8 cm), leaf shape stable, needs more light, never shade it, Nutrition Capsules help, cohesive group after about six months. Accessed October 12, 2026.
- Cryptocoryne parva (Aquarium Plant Profile). Aquasabi. Placement: nano aquarium, foreground; medium difficulty; very slow; medium light; hardness up to hard; 1–5 cm; CO2 not required. Accessed October 12, 2026.
- Fertiliser and CO2. Tropica Aquarium Plants. Nutrition capsules release nutrients over 6–9 months; suit sturdy plants and established carpets of front plants. Accessed October 12, 2026.
- Cryptocoryne parva de Wit: World Checklist of Vascular Plants record (via GBIF). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; dataset published 2026-06-04, CC BY 4.0. Accepted name, family, synonyms, native and introduced range. Accessed October 12, 2026.
- Cryptocoryne parva: Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Addressed by IPNI identifier 86720-1; POWO displays the same WCVP data. Accessed October 12, 2026.