Madagascar lace plant

Aponogeton madagascariensis

Family : Aponogetonaceae

PlantFreshwaterbulbe

The Madagascar lace plant is a bulbous plant remarkable for its translucent net-like leaves, highly prized in aquascaping.

Madagascar lace plant — photo 1 sur 3
Laila_ · Wikimedia Commons · CC01 / 3
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 madagascariensis has an elongated bulb from which petiolate submerged leaves emerge. The leaves are oval to lanceolate, with a very visible network of veins giving a lace-like appearance. They are 20-50 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The plant produces an emergent spike inflorescence with small white flowers. It goes dormant after flowering. In aquariums, it requires soft, acidic water. Growth is seasonal. Propagation is by seeds or bulb division.

Habitat

Region :

Freshwater rivers and lakes, often in shallow water

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
50 cm
Lifespan
3 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
seeds, division of bulb

Care notes

A moderately difficult plant, it requires soft water (GH <8, KH <4) and acidic pH (5.5-7.0). Temperature 22-28 °C. Moderate to intense lighting is recommended. CO₂ supplementation is beneficial. Minimum tank volume 80 liters. Avoid high nitrates (>20 mg/L). A rest period of 2-3 months at 15-18 °C is necessary after flowering. Propagation by seeds or bulb division. Beware of algae on delicate leaves.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References