Aponogeton madagascariensis

Scientific name: Aponogeton madagascariensis

Family: Aponogetonaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 50 - 75 cm (19.69 - 29.53 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 6.8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 4°N (0 - 71.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 15 - 25 °C (59 - 77°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Seeds

Origin (in the wild): Madagascar

How fast these plants grow: Normal

Recommended substrate: Gravel

Demands on lighting: Medium

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Family

Aponogetonaceae

Common Names

Aponogeton madagascariensis is known as Madagascar Lace plant, Lattice Leaf, Lace Plant.

Growth Rate

Slow to medium

Planting Area

Midground to background are ideal places for planting this plant.

Lighting Requirements

Medium to bright. Offer this plant bright lighting after adding it to the tank. Later the wattage can be reduced if the plant has acclimatised to it’s new tank.

Propagation

It is quite easy to propagate this species from seed. Once the plant has flowered, rub along the flower head with a small paintbrush to fertilise the plants. After using this propagation method the flower will go into a dormant stage so many keepers prefer to split the tubers rather than use this method.

Difficulty

Medium.

Short Description

The Aponogeton madagascariensis plant gets its common name from the lattice leaves that contain no tissue between the leaf veins. Often these plants arrive at the suppliers in a sorry state as they do not travel well. Once settled into the tank they should pick up in a couple of weeks but in some tanks this just does not happen. Often these plants will do well in their first year but then struggle in the second year, no answer has yet been given for this. These plants are now in danger from being over collected for aquarium use in their natural areas so always try to get cultivated plants from a reliable supplier.