Tropica Crinum Calamistratum

Tropica Crinum Calamistratum

This characteristic bulbous plant originally grows in the rivers of West Cameroon, Africa. When the plant is in bloom, fragrant white flowers protrude above the water.

Compared to its congeners, the Crinum Calamistratum has a smaller bulb and a lower light requirement.

This plant is suitable for larger aquariums, because this plant needs a thick substrate (about 8cm) in which it can form its root system. In addition, the dark green, narrow, curled leaf can reach a length of about 120cm. And the plant can spread to a width of 30cm.

The bulb of the plant should protrude (as much as possible) above the nutrient medium, to prevent it from rotting. It is advisable to place this plant as a solitary, so that it has the space to grow.

The Crinum Calamistratum will, over time, form new bulbs. You can leave these to create a fuller plant. You can also choose to loosen a bulb and replant it, to propagate the plant in this way.

If you were to cut the bulb open, which of course you shouldn't do, it looks the same as an onion. Bulbous plants are made up of different layers, in which the plant stores a food supply.

The leathery leaves of the Crinum Calamistratum mean it will not be attacked by herbivorous fish, which also makes this plant very suitable for placing in your cichlid aquarium.

Place in the aquarium: middle & back zone
Max length of leaves: 120 cm
Growth rate: slow
Temperature: 24-28ºC
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: medium
Origin: Africa
Difficulty: Easy