Crinum Natans bulb
Crinum natans is a striking bulb plant native to African rivers and streams. Its long, flowing, ribbon-like leaves add a dramatic touch to planted aquariums. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique aquatic plant.
Common Names: Floating Crinum, African Onion Plant, River Lily
Scientific Name: Crinum natans
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Origin: West and Central Africa (rivers and streams in Nigeria, Cameroon, etc.)
Appearance:
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Leaves: Long, ribbon-like, wavy or crinkled, dark green, can grow up to 4 feet (120 cm) in length.
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Growth Form: Submerged aquatic plant, but can grow emersed in shallow water.
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Root System: Bulbous base (similar to an onion), with thick, white roots.
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Flowers: Rare in aquariums, but produces beautiful white or pink lily-like flowers when grown emersed.
Crinum natans Care Tips
1. Tank Requirements:
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (larger is better due to its size).
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Lighting: Moderate to high (but can adapt to low light, grows slower).
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Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate (clay or root tabs recommended).
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Water Flow: Prefers gentle to moderate flow (mimics its natural river habitat).
2. Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
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pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
3. Planting & Maintenance:
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Planting: Bury the bulb about halfway into the substrate (do not fully cover it to prevent rot).
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Fertilization: Benefits from root tabs or liquid fertilizers (iron-rich fertilizers enhance leaf color).
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Pruning: Remove old, yellowing leaves at the base. New leaves will grow from the center.
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Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (patience is key).
4. Compatibility:
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Fish: Safe with most community fish (tetras, gouramis, cichlids).
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Inverts: Shrimp and snails won’t harm it.
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Avoid: Plant-nibbling fish (like goldfish or some cichlids).
5. Propagation:
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Produces bulb offsets (pups) that can be separated and replanted once they develop roots.
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Rarely flowers underwater but may produce seeds if grown emersed.
Final Notes:
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Hardy but slow-growing – don’t expect rapid growth.
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Leaves may melt initially when moved to a new tank but will regrow if the bulb is healthy.
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Great for midground or background in larger aquariums.
د.إ49.00
Compare🌱 Care Requirements (Quick Summary)
| Factor | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|
| Light | Moderate to high (adapts to low light) |
| CO₂ | Beneficial but not required |
| Substrate | Nutrient-rich (clay, sand + root tabs) |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH) |
| Placement | Midground/background (needs space) |
Key Care Tips
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Planting:
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Bury the bulb only halfway (burying too deep causes rot).
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Space plants 6+ inches apart (they grow large).
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Fertilization:
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Root tabs (high in iron) promote healthy leaves.
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Liquid fertilizers help if no CO₂ is used.
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Maintenance:
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Trim old/yellow leaves at the base.
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Slow grower—patience is key!
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Propagation:
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Grows “pups” (offsets) from the bulb—separate & replant.
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Rarely flowers underwater.
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⚠️ Common Issues & Fixes
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Yellow Leaves: Usually due to nutrient deficiency (add root tabs/iron).
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Bulb Rot: Caused by burying too deep—uncover if mushy.
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Melting: May shed leaves when moved; new growth will come if bulb is healthy.
🐟 Tank Mates
✔ Good: Tetras, rasboras, gouramis, shrimp, snails.
❌ Avoid: Goldfish, cichlids, or plant-eating fish.
🎨 Aquascaping Uses
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Tall background plant (great for hiding equipment).
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Centerpiece in large tanks (wavy leaves add movement).
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Emersed growth in paludariums (produces flowers).
🔎 Fun Fact:
Crinum natans is one of the few true bulb plants in the aquarium hobby, making it a unique and long-lived choice!
Brand
aquascape.ae
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