Crinum thaianum J.Schulze

Water onion plant

Crinum thaianum is a bulbous plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. The leaves, green and ribbon-like, start from an onion-like bulb. The flowers are large, white and their shape may resemble that of a lily. Furthermore, this species is threatened by the degradation of its habitat and also by the collection for cultivation in the aquarium.

Distribution: originally from southern Thailand, more precisely it lives on the banks of the rivers that surround the regions of Phang Nga and Ranong.

Submitted by: BAP

GPS: 15.7093487, 100.1559906

Geographical region: Southeastern Asia
Drainage Basin: Chao Phraya
River catchment
Water body type: River
Water body name: Nan and Lopburi
Water body part
Water body course: Lower course
Water body: tributary of: River
Tributary name: Chao Phraya

Type locality: Southern Thailand
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN)
Listed in CITES: N/A

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Fresh water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: Low
Concentration of sediments: High
Water temperature: 21-28 °C
Water flow/curent: Strong

Chemical parameters

pH: 5-8
Conductivity
GH
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form

Semi-submersed

Plant type

Bulb/onion

Plant size

60-200 cm

Plant growth rate

Plant light demand

Medium

CO2

Aquarium equipment

It is a background plant. A couple of them are enough to give a nice natural touch. The leaves grow horizontally, creating a shaded area below them. Therefore it is particularly suitable for those who tend to have photosensitive fish in the tank.

Plant care

This species needs a good substrate, rich in nutrients, to which column fertilization will be added from time to time. Also, the bulb must be buried only halfway otherwise the plant could rot and subsequently die. It is not a plant that loves pruning much. They might even weaken it, so it is better to make it develop completely and occasionally prune it slightly.

Water care

It grows very well both in soft water and in hard water, with temperatures not too high (24-28 °C) and pH 6.8-7.5.