Can I split Cryptocoryne Balansae?

[mlherald]

Just received some plants for my new scape. I have bought 1 pot of C.Balansae. Can this be split into several plants? I've not taken it out of the pot yet, will be doing it tonight sometime when the kids are in bed.

Thanks,
Martin

 

[Steve Smith]

More than likely. It depends how many rhizomes there are to be honest! It's like any other crypt in that respect

 

[mlherald]

It only has 1 rhizome as far as I can see, what do you guys think? Can it be split?

 

[Steve Smith]

In that case, no I wouldn't attempt to split it. On the plus side, you see the little horn like growths. They are new plantlets growing by the looks of it. Once it establishes it should spread well

 

[mlherald]

Thanks Steve. Planted it last night, hopefully it will send out runners and give me a few more.

Regards,
Martin

 

[sanj]

Yup don split that one, it will send out runners once established, but it may take a month or so. You might also get some leaf melt initially.

 

[mlherald]

Thanks sanj, has been planted 3-4 days now and has 2 or 3 brownish leaves looking like they're on the way out.

Regards,
Martin