Cryptocoryne Flamingo
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Flamingo'
A striking pink-leaved cryptocoryne that brings rare colour to low-tech, low-light tanks.
| Care Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Lighting | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Optional |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Placement | Midground |
Overview
Cryptocoryne Flamingo (Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Flamingo') is a striking pink-leaved cryptocoryne that brings rare colour to low-tech, low-light tanks. It is a intermediate-level aquarium plant, best suited to keepers able to provide good light and stable conditions.
This guide covers how to grow Cryptocoryne Flamingo successfully - its appearance and growth habit, lighting needs, whether it needs CO2, fertilising, planting and placement, propagation, and the common problems to avoid.
Appearance & Growth Habit
A striking pink-leaved cryptocoryne that brings rare colour to low-tech, low-light tanks.
It is a slow grower used in the midground of the aquascape. Slower growth makes it tidy and low-maintenance, though it can collect algae if light is high and nutrients are low.
Lighting Requirements
Cryptocoryne Flamingo grows best under low to medium lighting. Low to medium light keeps it healthy without fuelling algae, so a basic quality LED is plenty.
Run lights on a timer for about 6-8 hours a day. Longer photoperiods usually feed algae rather than plants, so increase duration cautiously and watch for any green film.
CO2 & Fertilisation
CO2: Optional. CO2 is optional - it speeds and improves growth but is not essential.
Dose a balanced liquid fertiliser (such as API Leaf Zone) for water-column nutrients, and add root tabs beneath heavy root-feeders. Yellowing, holes or stunted leaves usually signal a nutrient deficiency, not disease.
Planting & Placement
Plant or attach Cryptocoryne Flamingo in the midground. Plant small portions into the substrate, spacing them so they grow together over time.
Propagation
Separate daughter plants from the parent once they have their own roots; expect 'crypt melt' after planting, then new growth.
Sharing trimmings is part of the fun of the hobby - one healthy plant can fill a tank and stock several more over time.
Common Problems
The most common issue is algae on the leaves, which points to too much light, too few nutrients or weak flow rather than a fault with the plant. Melting (leaves dissolving) after planting is normal as it converts to underwater growth - keep conditions stable and new growth follows.
Keep light, CO2 and fertilisation consistent, remove dying leaves promptly, and avoid burying the crown or rhizome of plants that grow from one.
Is Cryptocoryne Flamingo Right for Your Tank?
Cryptocoryne Flamingo is a beautiful plant for keepers able to provide good light, CO2 and stable conditions, rewarding the effort with a standout display. Combine it with our other plant and aquascaping guides to build a lush, balanced planted aquarium.