Stoffels Cryptocoryne x willisii ‘Nevillii’

This Cryptocoryne is a time-tested, undemanding aquarium plant that forms a dense group or even a lawn over time through runners. The plant belongs to Cryptocoryne x willisii, a complex of natural hybrids of Cryptocoryne parva with other species from Sri Lanka such as Cryptocoryne beckettii and Cryptocoryne walkeri. Cryptocoryne x willisii “nevillii” has medium green underwater leaves, which can also show slightly reddish-brown tones. In the submerged form, the plant usually grows to a height of around 5 to 15 cm. Plants that have been supplied with plenty of nutrients and grown over a longer period of time can possibly reach a height of around 20 cm.

Willis’ water trumpet is an undemanding, relatively slow-growing aquarium plant that tolerates different water parameters. Additional CO₂ is not absolutely necessary, but promotes growth, as does the supply of macro and micronutrients via the substrate. The light requirement is not high, but moderate light intensity is recommended. The plant tolerates a temperature range of 15 – 30 °C; 22 – 28 °C is optimal. Like many other Cryptocorynes, C. x willisii “nevillii” needs some time to acclimatise and often only starts to grow significantly after a month.

The easy-care Cryptocoryne x willisii “nevillii” can be used in a variety of ways in tropical freshwater aquariums, as a group in the foreground to midground and as a higher lawn if a larger number of individual plants are planted. With its relatively slow growth, it is easy to handle.