TC-Cryptocorne Spiralis Tiger | ADA IC198

TC-Cryptocorne Spiralis Tiger | ADA IC198 is a tissue-culture aquarium plant — a striking aquatic plant cultivar of Cryptocoryne spiralis known for its tall, narrow, tiger-striped leaves and dramatic look in planted tanks. Sold under ADA (Aqua Design Amano) tissue culture code IC198, it’s cultivated in sterile lab conditions and typically offered in a small cup ready for planting.

🌿 What It Is

Scientific name: Cryptocoryne spiralis ‘Tiger’
Common name: Crypt Spiralis Tiger (ADA TC IC198)
Plant type: Rosette aquatic plant (tissue culture)
Origin: India / Asia (cultivar offered via ADA tissue culture programs)

This variant is prized in aquascaping for its elongated slender leaves with bold stripe patterns — often brownish, olive, or reddish depending on light and nutrients. It’s visually exotic compared with standard crypts, adding height, texture, and a “wild” natural aesthetic to planted tanks.

📐 Appearance & Placement

• Leaf form: Long, narrow, spiraling leaves with tiger-like stripes.

• Colours: Olive green to reddish-brown with darker patterning.

• Height: Can reach ~30 cm or more under good conditions.

• Placement: Best in midground to background areas to showcase its vertical form.

🛠️ Care & Growing Conditions

Light:
Medium lighting is ideal. Stronger light enhances leaf colour and contrast, though this plant also tolerates lower light in low-tech tanks.

Substrate & Nutrients:
Thrives in nutrient-rich substrate. Using root tabs or a rich plant substrate helps support robust root systems and better growth.

CO₂:
Optional. CO₂ injection isn’t required, but it can boost growth rate and intensify colours in higher-light setups.

Water Parameters (general):

• pH: Moderately acidic to neutral (~6.0–7.5)

• Temperature: Tropical range (~22–28 °C)

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is fine.

🌱 Planting & Tips

• Tissue culture plants: Rinse the plant gently after removing from the culture to eliminate residual gel before planting.

• Crypt melt: Cryptocoryne species sometimes shed leaves (“melt”) when adjusting to new conditions. This is normal — do not move or disturb the plant too soon.

• Once rooted, avoid frequent repositioning; this plant prefers stability to establish well.

🧠 Summary

TC-Cryptocorne Spiralis Tiger (ADA IC198) is an eye-catching aquatic plant with tall, slender, tiger-striped foliage ideal for adding structure and visual interest to midground or background sections of your aquarium. It’s moderate in care requirements, adaptable to a range of lighting levels, and performs best with a nutrient-rich substrate and stable water conditions.