Crypt spiralis has green leaves with narrow, twisted, and curly leaves. This plant species originates from Malaysia and Indonesia. Like other cryptocoryne plants, it can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. It grows well in soft or hard water but prefers acidic water with a pH between 6 and 7.5. Crypt Spiralis has medium-sized rosettes that grow up to 8 cm (3 in) in diameter. The flowers of Crypt Spiralis are white with red tips.
Origin and distributions
Crypt spiralis was first discovered in a cave in Vancouver, British Columbia. It has been found on every continent, except Antarctica. The specimen discovered in New Zealand was found on a sailing vessel that had traveled from Australia. Some believe that Crypt Spiralis migrated with its host species, humans, spreading throughout the world when humans migrated out of Africa 60-80 thousand years ago.
However, where crypt spirali originated is still unknown to zoologists and biologists alike. No matter how it got around, one thing is for sure: it’s here to stay. As long as humans continue traveling around the globe, Crypt spiralis will continue having new hosts (or prey) spread its DNA around as they travel…Or at least we hope so anyway! Let’s face it; if our species goes extinct due to extinction spirali, then, there won’t be much left for Crypt Spiralis too.
Species profile
Crypt spiralis is a genus of aquatic plants from the family of Araceae and grow in small clumps, with branches spreading from a central mass, up to 3 in diameter. The color of its corals varies, but they all have a smooth, brown outer layer that protects against predators while attracting sunlight for photosynthesis. Crypt spiralis has a solitary life cycle and will only reproduce once before it dies; it reproduces by releasing seeds into open water.
These tiny plants can be found clustered together under coral cover, though they can grow more than 20 inches tall. They are generally found between 8–80 ft below sea level—but some specimens have been recorded as deep as 10,000 ft down! Be sure to wear good diving gear if you plan on traveling at these depths!
Biology/Physical Attributes
An aquatic perennial, crypt spiralis typically reaches 25-60 cm in height when fully grown but can range anywhere between 15-40 cm tall depending on its growing conditions. Its leafy stem contains numerous greenish leaves resembling those of celery plants while both young shoots and mature flowers are white in coloration.
These small florets appear in late spring or early summer months and have been used for centuries as an edible vegetable source (during World War II, British children even consumed a dish containing spiraled stems for breakfast). Likewise, each plant blooms for about 10 days before it withers away; if you wish to propagate your plant indoors, simply remove spent petals after each session has ended. This will enable you to maintain a steady supply of new offspring over time.
Cryptocoryne spiralis height
This species of crypt can comfortably grow up to 10-24 inches (25-60 cm) in height.
How do you grow cryptocoryne spiralis?
The propagation method for crypt spiralis, which has specific soil requirements, can be somewhat difficult and often discouraging. However, if you want to propagate your plant from cuttings rather than by seedling, all you need to do is take a portion of root from an existing plant in spring or early summer and plant it in moist potting soil.
Be sure that your cutting takes root in about two weeks; after that time has passed, you can transplant it into its own pot. If you choose to germinate crypt spiralis seeds instead, follow these steps:
- Place seeds on top of damp peat moss inside a plastic baggie;
- Enclose baggie in an airtight container (glass jars work best);
- Store jar in a warm environment with indirect sunlight.
Seeds should begin sprouting within seven days. When they’re ready, you can simply remove them from their pots and plant them directly into garden soil outside. As with propagation methods, monitoring growth rate and conditions will determine how many months/years your new plant requires before it reaches maturity.
Cryptocoryne spiralis care
These plants are very adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. However, they generally prefer acidic water, soft water, or hard water with a neutral pH value. They can even tolerate brackish water (water that has some salt in it). The substrate should be relatively fast-draining and have some clay content to help prevent fungus gnats from forming. Temperatures of 20-28 degrees C (68-82 degrees F) are recommended for these plants.
Light requirements
These plants need plenty of light for proper growth. They will not do well without at least five hours a day of direct sunlight. These plants are hardy and easy to care for, but they need all that light to really flourish. Grow them in areas with lots of sun exposure, or if you don’t have those areas in your home, supplement their natural sunlight with grow lights. These types of plants generally don’t do well if you try to force them into a different lighting situation.
Soil/potting mix
Outdoors, you can cultivate spiralis in a variety of soils and potting mixes. Opt for ones with an abundance of composted leaves, compost, and peat moss. Avoid using sand or soil that’s too heavy; it will retain water, potentially bogging down your plants as they grow larger.
Most people grow spiralis outdoors in raised beds to prevent their roots from being suffocated by hard clay soil. If you do decide to bring them indoors, do so during the winter months. They don’t tolerate low temperatures well. You might consider adding fertilizer spikes after transplanting outdoors so they have a little boost while they adjust to their new home.
Watering Crypt spiralis
Try to keep your crpt spiralis evenly moist, but not soaking wet. Be sure that it’s in a well-lit area as crpyt spiralis has no natural lighting system of its own. Keep your crypt spiralis warm—but not too warm!
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for them is between 65 and 75 degrees F. They should be kept at least five feet away from heaters or fireplaces to avoid burning. Finally, make sure you clean up any spills or accidents on their leaves quickly because they can become toxic when they dry out and harden over time (this also makes them harder to get off).
Humidity
Don’t ignore humidity. Like temperature, it can have a huge impact on how well or not your creatures are able to thrive. The right humidity levels depend entirely on what type of creature you have—spiralis, for example, shouldn’t be exposed to high levels of moisture and should be kept in a dry environment.
But other species might appreciate a bit more moisture. The ideal humidity range is typically between 50-80%, but specific needs will vary from one creature to another. Read through our care sheet on spiralis if you want to learn more about their unique requirements.
How do you prune cryptocoryne spiralis?
Dead or diseased leaves, as well as unproductive branches and stems, should be removed to keep your plant healthy. When pruning your spiralis, use a sharp pair of shears or garden snips to make clean cuts across branches instead of pulling them off, which can damage plant tissue.
This can be done anytime during the year, but springtime is a good time because new growth will emerge shortly after pruning. Prune just enough to achieve desired shape and balance in order to promote continued growth.
Growth rate
The growth rate of a spiralis can vary between individuals, but it can be generally slow-growing. Still, in some circumstances, their growth rate can be considered fast. It’s important to take into account your living conditions before getting one, as you should understand how much time and money you’re willing to put into caring for one.