MANILA, Philippines - Cryptocorynes or Water trumpets are some of the most popular aquarium plants of the world. The Genus has more than 60 species distributed in the Southeast Asian Region. Plants may be found growing in rivers and creeks where sand, gravel or clay served as a substrate.
Cryptocorynes may be propagated as bog plants or as fully submerged plants. The plants produce strong root system and may generate plantlets easily. Big numbers are produced for the aquarium trade in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. Main traders are German, American and Japanese. Growers mainly produce harvest from shallow rivers, creeks or rice fields.
Colored leaf forms with varied leaf margins are available in the international market. Some of the prettiest species are from Philippines.
In the aquarium, Cryptocorynes may serve as egg deposit areas for snails, fishes and shrimps. Because of their relatively slow growth, it is best to plant the Cryptocoryne after the aquarium has maintained its equilibrium. The plant appreciate generous amount of light.
Plants that emerged out of water may reproduce sexually by seed production while submerged plants may be propagated vegetatively.
Efforts are underway to develop these natural beauties through gamma irradiation by a small group of aquarists.
For more information about aquatic plants, contact Etoy Gregorio @ +63 917 490 8841.