Crinum americanum
Also known as: Florida Swamp Lily Bulb, String Lily Bulb, American Crinum Bulb
Origin: North America (SE USA)
This dormant corm of Crinum americanum — the Florida Swamp Lily — is sold individually as a single, large, inspected bulb ready for planting in a large tropical aquarium or outdoor water feature in a warm climate. C. americanum is one of the most impressive aquatic bulb plants available, eventually producing a fountain rosette of very long, broad, strap-shaped leaves and large, fragrant white spider-lily flowers with long thin petals and prominent stamens.
From a dormant bulb, C. americanum establishes steadily over the first 2–3 months, producing progressively longer leaves as its root system develops. It is undemanding once established — tolerating moderate to hard water, a range of temperatures, and growing without CO2 — making it one of the most rewarding large bulb plants for community tropical aquariums.
Given its eventual size (leaves can reach 100 cm in large tanks), this plant is best suited to aquariums of 200 litres or more, or to very large outdoor ponds in warm-climate regions. It provides excellent structural cover and spawning habitat for larger fish species.
Light: Medium; thrives under a wide range of light conditions, including moderately shaded community setups. CO2: Not required; one of the most forgiving large aquatic bulb plants regarding water chemistry. Fertilisation: Rich substrate; fertiliser tabs every 8–10 weeks; respond well to liquid all-in-one fertiliser weekly. Placement: Background of large aquariums; plant bulb with base at substrate surface and growing tip pointing up. Propagation: Offset bulbs (pupae) produced abundantly at the base; separate when well-rooted and replant.
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