This especially decorative Cryptocoryne is traded as "Cryptocoryne affinis" and "C. affinis Rot". It resembles true Cryptocoryne affinis as submerged plant but turned out as a form of Cryptocoryne wendtii when it flowered. Therefore we name it provisionally Cryptocoryne wendtii "Affinis Rot".
Its submerged leaves have a red-brown ground colour, lighter longitudinal nerves and a pattern of darker stripes. The underside of the leaves is brown-red. In its terrestrial form, this Cryptocoryne develops inconspicuously green leaves with long stalks.

As well as other Cryptocorynes of the Sri Lanka species group, this plant is an easy, adaptable aquarium plant, also growing in harder water. It also tolerates little light but develops better with medium lighting. A nutrient-rich bottom is important. The plant develops a dense stand by its underground runners.

Cryptocoryne wendtii "Affinis Red" is very decorative as a group in the midground, in bigger tanks also in the foreground.