Aponogeton Madagascariensis

Aponogeton Madagascariensis

The Aponogeton Madagascariensis is a bulbous plant with a special appearance, which is originally found in the flowing waters of Madagascar.

It is not an easy plant and is known for its beautiful green leaves that are characterized by the unique gauzy appearance, this due to a lack of leaf tissue. This beautiful leaf can grow up to 55cm long.

Under good conditions the Aponogeton Madagascariensis will grow quickly and well, but this plant does require some extra attention.

A large aquarium with good lighting, water flow, clean and clear water and plant food are requirements for the Aponogeton Madagascariensis. Only in the resting period this plant does not like to be in the light.

Dirt and algae on the leaves/in the water will cause the health of the leaves to deteriorate, regular water changes will do the plant good. It is also recommended to cut away dead brown leaf tips to prevent further rotting of the leaves.

It is important that the water values ​​in your aquarium remain stable, if the water values ​​fluctuate too much the plant can rot or melt.

The bulb of the plant should be placed (carefully) for a maximum of 1/3 in the (nutrient) soil, so that the part from which the plant grows protrudes above the (nutrient) soil. This is to prevent the bulb from rotting. If you only have (fine) gravel or sand, we recommend that you place plant nutrition in tablet form, under the Aponogeton Madagascariensis, in the soil.

When planting, consider the (future) size of the Aponogeton Madagascariensis. Provide a place where there is enough space to let the plant grow solitary.

When the plant starts to flower, it will grow a stem from the bulb towards the water surface. A flower will grow above the water and when it has finished flowering, the seeds will be released. You can remove these seeds from the aquarium to grow a new plant.

The plant species 'Aponogeton' is a plant that has a rest period every now and then. Growth will come to a standstill and the plant can lose its leaves. It is good for the plant to dim the light during this period. There are people who temporarily place the plant in another aquarium, without lighting, but because the plant does not like to be moved, you can better choose to add (extra) floating plants to the aquarium to create more shade. When the plant has 'rested', growth will continue again.

Location of this aquarium plant: middle & back zone
Max height of the plant: 60 cm
Temperature: 15-32ºC
pH: 4.5-6.5
KH: 2-12
Light: a lot (little during rest period)
Origin: Madagascar, Africa
Dutch name: Long-leaved lace plant