This Cryptocoryne is a time-tested, undemanding aquarium plant that forms a dense group or even a lawn over time through runners. It was long popular under the false name “Cryptocoryne nevillii”, which stands for a different species. The plant belongs to Cryptocoryne x willisii, a complex of natural hybrids of Cryptocoryne parva with other species from Sri Lanka such as C. beckettii and C. walkeri. The forms of C. x willisii are reminiscent of the tiny Cryptocoryne parva, but are larger and more vigorous. Cryptocoryne x willisii “nevillii” has medium green underwater leaves, which can also show slightly reddish-brown tones. In the submerged form, the plant usually grows to a height of around 5 to 15 cm. Plants that have been supplied with plenty of nutrients and grown over a longer period of time can possibly reach a height of around 20 cm. However, this Cryptocoryne is usually sold in the terrestrial form (emersed form) and is then often up to around 25 cm high. However, the submerged leaves newly formed in the aquarium remain shorter.
Cryptocoryne x willisii “nevillii” differs from the similar C. x willisii “lucens” in having shorter, more ovate leaf blades.

Willis’ water trumpet is an undemanding, relatively slow-growing aquarium plant that tolerates different water parameters. Additional CO₂ is not absolutely necessary, but promotes growth, as does the supply of macro and micronutrients via the substrate. The light requirement is not high, but moderate light intensity is recommended. The plant tolerates a temperature range of 15 – 30 °C; 22 – 28 °C is optimal. Like many other Cryptocorynes, C. x willisii “nevillii” needs some time to acclimatise and often only starts to grow significantly after a month. Over time, a dense group of leaf rosettes will develop due to the many underground runners.

The easy-care Cryptocoryne x willisii “nevillii” can be used in a variety of ways in tropical freshwater aquariums, as a group in the foreground to midground and as a higher lawn if a larger number of individual plants are planted. With its relatively slow growth, it is easy to handle.

• Family : Araceae
• Origin : Sri Lanka
• Height : 10″ – 18″
• pH : 6.0 – 8.0
• Temperature : 23-29°C