Boivin's lace plant

Aponogeton boivinianus

Family : Aponogetonaceae

PlantFreshwaterbulbe

Boivin's lace plant is a bulbous plant with wavy translucent leaves, very decorative for freshwater aquariums.

Popularity
Easy plant
standard lighting, few requirements
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
Biotope
East Africa
Grands lacs africains (hors Malawi/Tanganyika), Madagascar.

Description

Aponogeton boivinianus is characterized by its strongly wavy submerged leaves, light green translucent, 20-40 cm long. The bulb is elongated and produces fibrous roots. The veins are parallel and clearly visible. The inflorescence is an emergent spike bearing small white flowers. The plant has seasonal growth and goes dormant after flowering. It prefers soft, acidic water. In aquariums, it forms a nice bush.

Habitat

Region :

Clear rivers and streams, often in shaded areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2228 °C
pH5.57
GH18 °dGH
KH14 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 2 mg/L
CO₂
≤ 30 mg/L
Light
Medium

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Photosynthetic
Min. tank
80 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
40 cm
Lifespan
3 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
seeds, division of bulb

Care notes

Moderately difficult, requires soft water (GH <8, KH <4) and acidic pH (5.5-7.0). Temperature 22-28 °C. Moderate to intense lighting. CO₂ recommended. Minimum tank volume 80 liters. Avoid high nitrates. A rest period of 2-3 months at 15-18 °C is beneficial. Propagation by seeds or bulb division. Leaves are fragile, avoid burrowing fish.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References