Cryptocoryne cognata was lost to science for 150 years after its rediscovery in the 1990s by Indian botanists who found the plant in the district of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra state.

Known only from two locations, the plant is reported to grow in shallow, shady streams, with specimens on the banks producing inflorescences up to 30 cm long with a long, twisted limb and yellow throat with purple spots. The foliar appearance is similar to Sri Lankan species, with lanceolate leaves in varying shades of green. Bastmeijier notes that the plant is not difficult to cultivate but does not produce runners even after years. Its suitability for aquaria is uncertain.