Before the 60s, publications on the habitats of Cryptocoryne are scarce. The first detailed descriptions are by Schulze, Horst and Jacobsen. For a better understanding it is good to read more comprehensive literature on the tropical rainforest. For some selected literature see the end of this page. It must be emphasized that most Cryptocoryne are amphibious, only a few grow always submersed.
Water level can change with the season or by the tides or even more quickly, due to rainfall.
In the latter case, a rivulet may raise 2 meters in a couple of hours. In the last few decades it has become clear that many species have a much broader distribution than was known but up to now there are still a couple of species known only from one small stream. In the Mandor river they grow partly rather exposed. They also grow in the fresh water tidal zone and the species is probably widely distributed. The plant is able to re-colonize plantations.