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Cryptocoryne usteriana

Tall ribbon-like Crypt for the deep background

Regular price
£8.99
Regular price
Sale price
£8.99
  • Hurry, only 5 items left in stock!
Quick Facts

Common name:

Origin: Asia

Position in Aquarium: Mid/background

Grows up to (cm): 30 cm

Pot Size: 5 cm

Growth rate: Slow

Description

Cryptocoryne usteriana is one of the tallest Cryptocoryne species available, producing long, ribbon-like leaves with a lightly ruffled edge that can reach 30–50cm or more in height. It originates from the Philippines and is one of the most dramatic background Crypts for large aquariums, creating a substantial curtain of foliage that sways naturally in the current.

Low light, no CO2, planted in substrate — the same straightforward requirements as most Crypts, despite the impressive size. Root tabs support the best growth given the large leaf mass. Temporary crypt melt can follow being moved; leave the rhizome in place and it will regrow. Once established it is vigorous and long-lasting.

Plant in the background substrate. It spreads via runners and will form a large stand over time.

Plant Sizes

You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.

Shipping

Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.

Cryptocoryne usteriana
Cryptocoryne usteriana
Cryptocoryne usteriana Tropica

This aquarium plant thrives in low-light conditions and grows rapidly once established. Customers said plants arrived "fresh and green" and "well packaged." Growth starts slowly but accelerates, with one reporting over 40cm height. Multiple plantlets per pot (6-7) provide excellent value. No crypt melt reported, indicating healthy adaptation.

  • The tallest section is over 40cm! Growth at the start was almost undetectable but it's thriving now.
  • Fast despatch and arrived in perfect condition. Managed to get about 7 plants out of the 2 I bought.
  • The pot got me 6 nice sized plantlets which are now growing very well with no crypt melt.
  • 5 stars: 13 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
B
Brian B.B. (London, GB)
Cryptocoryne usteriana

Being an avid fan of Cryptocorynes (and AE), I must confess I had missed this on. So first time I have tried this particular;ar plant. I purchased two from Aqua Essentials and as usual they arrived on time, well packed and needless to say, very good plants. I am full of expectations for this particular plant. Thank you AE.

G
Graham W. (Edinburgh, GB)

Great plants, well packaged.

E
Ellen M.
Review

The plants have been in my aquarium for 2-3 months and they are now growing rapidly. The tallest section is over 40cm !!! Growth at the start was almost undetectable but it’s thriving now.

E
Ellen M.
Review

It arrived in good condition and is steadily growing in my low light aquarium.

J
John T.
Review

Excellent plant and growing well

A
Alan M.
Review

Pleased with purchase

A
Alan M.M.
Review

Already had this plant in my aquariums and wanted to add more. The pot got me 6 nice sized “plantlets” which are now growing very well with no crypt melt.

S
Steve D.
Review

Fast despatch and arrived in perfect condition. Managed to get about 7 plants out of the 2 I bought.

G
Guy M.
Review

Arrived in perfect condition and I’m extremely happy with this plant. Looks great!

T
Tony H.
Review

Plants arrived quickly and were well packed and appeared healthy. Good instructions were included by Aqua Essentials. Only received the plants 2 weeks ago so too soon to review, not suffered from any crypt melt so far.

M
Margo B.
Review

Healthy, little, good looking plant.

J
Jan W.
Review

Arrived fresh and green! About 3 plants in one pot, still a bit small, but will hopefully grow quickly! ; )

M
Matt C.
Review

Great healthy plants!!! Always great service

Product FAQs

Helpful details before you buy.

What is 'crypt melt'?

When moved, Cryptocoryne sometimes dissolve their leaves. This is normal. Leave the rhizome in the substrate and new leaves will regrow.

How tall does usteriana grow?

30–50cm or more in good conditions — one of the largest Cryptocoryne species and a proper background plant for large aquariums.

Where does it originate?

From the Philippines — one of the few Cryptocoryne species not from mainland Asia or Sri Lanka.

Does it need CO2?

No — grows without CO2. Root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate support good growth given the large leaf mass.

How do I plant it?

Plant in the background substrate. It spreads via runners and will form a substantial stand over time.

Skip to product information
1 of 4

Cryptocoryne usteriana

Tall ribbon-like Crypt for the deep background

Ask a question
Easy care Low light CO2 not required Background plant
Regular price
£8.99
Regular price
Sale price
£8.99
  • In stock — 5 available

In-stock orders normally dispatch before 4pm, Monday–Friday. Delivery details

Cryptocoryne usteriana
Cryptocoryne usteriana
Cryptocoryne usteriana Tropica

Complete your setup

Useful additions for your aquarium

Care essentials chosen for this plant

Healthier plants
Brighter results
Neutro T Aquarium Plant Fertiliser Recommended size
£10.99
Root nutrition Neutro TerraTabs - Root Tabs for Planted Aquariums

Long-lasting nutrition
for strong, healthy roots.

Recommended size
£9.99
Superfish Aquarium Plant Tweezers Recommended size
£4.99
Useful additions for planting day Carefully packed with your plants Specialist aquarium plant care
Bundle offers

About this plant

Cryptocoryne usteriana is one of the tallest Cryptocoryne species available, producing long, ribbon-like leaves with a lightly ruffled edge that can reach 30–50cm or more in height. It originates from the Philippines and is one of the most dramatic background Crypts for large aquariums, creating a substantial curtain of foliage that sways naturally in the current.

Low light, no CO2, planted in substrate — the same straightforward requirements as most Crypts, despite the impressive size. Root tabs support the best growth given the large leaf mass. Temporary crypt melt can follow being moved; leave the rhizome in place and it will regrow. Once established it is vigorous and long-lasting.

Plant in the background substrate. It spreads via runners and will form a large stand over time.

Preparing a potted plant

Gently remove the pot and growing wool, then follow the planting advice for this species.

Potted plant care guide
Delivery & live plant guarantee

Orders placed before 4pm Monday–Friday normally dispatch the same working day. Special-order items leave once all items are available.

Delivery options and charges · Returns and guarantees · Help with plants that arrived damaged

This aquarium plant thrives in low-light conditions and grows rapidly once established. Customers said plants arrived "fresh and green" and "well packaged." Growth starts slowly but accelerates, with one reporting over 40cm height. Multiple plantlets per pot (6-7) provide excellent value. No crypt melt reported, indicating healthy adaptation.

  • The tallest section is over 40cm! Growth at the start was almost undetectable but it's thriving now.
  • Fast despatch and arrived in perfect condition. Managed to get about 7 plants out of the 2 I bought.
  • The pot got me 6 nice sized plantlets which are now growing very well with no crypt melt.
  • 5 stars: 13 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
B
Brian B.B. (London, GB)
Cryptocoryne usteriana

Being an avid fan of Cryptocorynes (and AE), I must confess I had missed this on. So first time I have tried this particular;ar plant. I purchased two from Aqua Essentials and as usual they arrived on time, well packed and needless to say, very good plants. I am full of expectations for this particular plant. Thank you AE.

G
Graham W. (Edinburgh, GB)

Great plants, well packaged.

E
Ellen M.
Review

The plants have been in my aquarium for 2-3 months and they are now growing rapidly. The tallest section is over 40cm !!! Growth at the start was almost undetectable but it’s thriving now.

E
Ellen M.
Review

It arrived in good condition and is steadily growing in my low light aquarium.

J
John T.
Review

Excellent plant and growing well

A
Alan M.
Review

Pleased with purchase

A
Alan M.M.
Review

Already had this plant in my aquariums and wanted to add more. The pot got me 6 nice sized “plantlets” which are now growing very well with no crypt melt.

S
Steve D.
Review

Fast despatch and arrived in perfect condition. Managed to get about 7 plants out of the 2 I bought.

G
Guy M.
Review

Arrived in perfect condition and I’m extremely happy with this plant. Looks great!

T
Tony H.
Review

Plants arrived quickly and were well packed and appeared healthy. Good instructions were included by Aqua Essentials. Only received the plants 2 weeks ago so too soon to review, not suffered from any crypt melt so far.

M
Margo B.
Review

Healthy, little, good looking plant.

J
Jan W.
Review

Arrived fresh and green! About 3 plants in one pot, still a bit small, but will hopefully grow quickly! ; )

M
Matt C.
Review

Great healthy plants!!! Always great service

Product FAQs

What is 'crypt melt'?

When moved, Cryptocoryne sometimes dissolve their leaves. This is normal. Leave the rhizome in the substrate and new leaves will regrow.

How tall does usteriana grow?

30–50cm or more in good conditions — one of the largest Cryptocoryne species and a proper background plant for large aquariums.

Where does it originate?

From the Philippines — one of the few Cryptocoryne species not from mainland Asia or Sri Lanka.

Does it need CO2?

No — grows without CO2. Root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate support good growth given the large leaf mass.

How do I plant it?

Plant in the background substrate. It spreads via runners and will form a substantial stand over time.