Cryptocoryne ciliata has light green leaves with acute tips. It is a slow growing crypt, which produces 4-8 new leaves in a year. It grows 40 - 50 cm tall. C. ciliata is propagated by rhizome runners as characteristic to the plants of its class. But contrary to other cryptocorynes, C. ciliata needs more light. This is a hardy crypt and can tolerate hard and even brackish water.