Cryptocoryne requires a substrate that is fertilized with an iron-rich fertilizer. Regular pruning and thinning will keep it looking its best. Cryptocoryne requires stable water conditions to prevent rotting of the stems and leaves. Provide at least 2 watts per gallon using full spectrum bulbs (5000-7000K). The genus is naturally distributed in tropical regions of India, Southeast Asia and New Guinea. The typical habitats of Cryptocoryne are mostly streams and huge rivers with not too rapidly flowing water, almost grow in the virgin forest(Including semi virgin forest). They also live in seasonally inundated forest pools or on river banks submerged only at high water.The most important thing to know about Cryptocoryne is that it does not appreciate unstable conditions. Planting and re-planting will lead to dying leaves and very slow growth AND keep your water parameters STABLE. As with most living organisms in your aquarium, Stability is more important than perfect conditions that are unstable.