Why is my Crinum bulb rotting in the substrate?

Bulb rot almost always occurs when the plant is buried too deeply. Ensure that the top third to half of the bulb, where the leaves emerge, is exposed above the substrate.

How long will the leaves of Crinum calamistratum grow?

In a well-maintained aquarium, the leaves can easily exceed 100cm (40 inches), growing upwards before elegantly trailing across the water surface.

Can I trim the leaves if they get too long?

Yes, you can trim the leaves close to the base of the bulb using sharp aquascaping scissors. Be aware that because it is a slow grower, it will take considerable time for the plant to replace the removed foliage.

Does this plant require CO2 injection?

No, it is relatively undemanding and will grow steadily without supplemental CO2. However, adding CO2 will encourage somewhat faster, more robust growth.

Why hasn't my new plant grown any leaves since I bought it?

Crinum calamistratum is prone to transplant shock and may undergo a dormant period after being moved. It can take several weeks for the plant to establish a new root system before it resumes producing foliage.

FreshwaterPlantsIntermediate

Crinum Calamistratum

Crinum calamistratum

An elegant, highly distinctive West African bulb plant prized for its long, dark green, intensely crinkled leaves.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 27 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 4 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 40 – 120 cm
60L for young plants, larger for mature specimens: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 10 years
Diet: Photosynthesis and substrate nutrients
Water flow: Moderate to strong
Preferred setup: Plant the bulb in a nutrient-rich substrate, leaving at least the top third of the bulb exposed to prevent rot.

About the Crinum Calamistratum

Crinum calamistratum is a unique aquatic bulb plant that instantly creates a focal point in the planted aquarium. Native to Cameroon, it features exceptionally narrow, dark green leaves with heavily ruffled edges that arch gracefully through the water column. Unlike many other aquatic plants, it has an almost architectural presence. While it is a slow grower, a well-established specimen can produce leaves exceeding a metre in length, eventually trailing along the water's surface.

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Where Crinum Calamistratum comes from

Native range

West Africa

Countries / regions

Cameroon

Habitat

Fast-flowing, rocky and sandy rivers and streams, often fully submerged and subjected to strong currents.

Primarily endemic to a few river systems in western Cameroon.

Similar species

Crinum natans
Crinum natans
Crinum thaianum
Crinum thaianum
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
The tough, highly fibrous leaves of this Crinum are generally ignored by herbivorous fish that would decimate softer plants.
Great
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Shares a West African riverine origin and provides a stunning, active contrast to the dark, arching leaves.
Great
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Excellent for grazing on algae that might accumulate on the slow-growing leaves, without damaging the plant itself.
Great
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
While the leaves are tough enough to resist being eaten, enthusiastic foraging may uproot the bulb before it establishes a strong root system.
Compatible with caution
Red Swamp Crayfish
Procambarus clarkii
Large, powerful pincers can sever even the thick, fibrous leaves and stems of this resilient plant.
Not recommended

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