Cryptocoryne x Lucens Willisii

Cryptocoryne x lucens 'Willisii', usually just called willisii or lucens, is a hardy hybrid crypt with narrow, grass-like green leaves that stay low and tidy. It sits well in the foreground to midground of freshwater aquariums, where its slender blades read almost like a fine-leaved grass.

This is a rosette plant that spreads slowly by runners, gradually forming natural-looking clusters rather than a single clump. It settles happily in low-tech tanks and asks very little of you: low light is plenty, and it stays more compact under brighter light. If some older leaves melt back after planting, do not worry, that is normal crypt behaviour and new growth follows once the roots take hold. A nutrient-rich substrate, topped up with the odd root tab, keeps it looking its best.

Care at a glance

• Placement: Foreground to midground
• Lighting: Low
• CO2: Low, not required
• Growth rate: Slow
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Colour: Green

Our willisii is harvested fresh and algae free, and the conversion to submerged form starts in our grow-out tanks, which maximises success once it settles into your aquarium. It suits peaceful community tanks and planted setups with grazing fish, and its low, spreading habit works from nano tanks up to large layouts.

Submerged means grown underwater, already carrying its aquarium leaf form and ready to settle in quickly. Emersed means grown above the waterline with its firmer, out-of-water leaves; it establishes easily and then converts to submerged growth in your tank.