Crinum calamistratum tropica
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These can be carefully separated and planted in the substrate.
What is Crinum Calamistratum?
Crinum Calamistratum is an aquatic plant native to West Africa.
In top form the plant will produce a flower stalk that will rapidly grow from the bulb to the surface in a matter of days.
Once these offsets have formed roots, they can be gently separated from the mother plant and replanted in the substrate. Flowering can be observed as often as every four to six weeks.
Although primarily a fully aquatic species, its bulb can survive short dry spells in the wild, giving it a degree of resilience in semi-aquatic or marsh setups.
This plant is generally ignored by herbivorous fish due to its tough leaves, making it a reliable choice even in tanks with plant-nibblers. Once flowering starts, it can follow a regular cycle, adding visual interest to the aquarium.
💧 Water Parameters
- Recommended pH range: 6.1 – 7.8
- Recommended water hardness: 0 – 18 °dGH (0 – 321.43 ppm)
- Recommended temperature range: 20 – 27 °C (68 – 80.6 °F)
⚙️ Difficulty
Medium.
The leaves start off growing upward at a slight angle from the bulb but quickly produce an assortment of curls and loops.
Uses in Aquascaping
For aquascaping purposes, a single full-grown plant can provide a strong focal point. For best results, use a nutrient-rich substrate and avoid disturbing the plant once it is established.
Though it may also produce flowers and seeds, propagation via seeds is complex and recommended only for advanced aquarists.
The leaves are also highly resistant to grazing from herbivorous fish.
Propagation
Large and healthy plants will eventually produce a number of daughter plants circumferentially around the bulb. Happy planting!
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Crinum calamistratum
Author: Bryce Millar, MD
Common Names: N/A
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Native Distribution: Central Africa
Aquarium Placement: Background, midground possible in large tanks
Requirements: Medium to high light, CO2 addition helpful
Plant Description
Crinum calamistratum is an aquatic plant from Central Africa that has been available in the hobby for several years now.
Crinum calamistratum has large white flowers and typically flowers while emersed although it will sometimes flower in the aquarium, sending its lovely bloom up above the water surface for some lucky aquarists.
Common Name: Crinum calamistratum
Family Name: Amaryllidacea
Native To: Africa
Lighting: Moderate
Requirements: Not difficult, but will grow best in a soil enriched or commercial soil based substrate
Growth Form: Bulb
Growth Rate: Moderate
Placement in Tank: Focal point
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In the wild, it thrives in slow-moving streams with sandy or muddy substrates, where nutrient-rich conditions support the growth of its long, flowing leaves. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is known for its long, slender, and wavy leaves that can create a beautiful, flowing effect in an aquarium. These will remain open for about a week.
After forming three or four leaves, each can be carefully teased away with its own small bulb and root system. Its natural resilience allows it to tolerate varying water conditions, including short periods of drought.
🌱 Propagation
This plant propagates mainly through bulb shoots that develop from the base of the mature bulb under optimal conditions.
It’s important to leave part of the bulb exposed to prevent rot. Frequent moves or excessive shading will result in dropped leaves and a poor root system. C. calamistratum is tolerant of mildly brackish water and can do well in both hard and soft water. I use root tabs every couple of months.
Records from the holotype specimen collected in 1948 indicate that the plant was taken from the Kumba region of Cameroon. The unique growth pattern and leaf texture provide an interesting visual contrast to typical groupings of stem plants.