Aponogeton Boivinianus care guide
Aponogeton Boivinianus (Aponogeton boivinianus) — medium light, 20-27 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Aponogeton Boivinianus (Aponogeton boivinianus) is an aquatic plant of the family Aponogetonaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. Madagascan Aponogeton with strongly bullate, dark green leaves on long petioles. Heavy root feeder that benefits from rich substrate and a winter rest period to grow vigorously.
Taxonomy
- Family: Aponogetonaceae
- Genus: Aponogeton
- Scientific name: Aponogeton boivinianus
Habitat
Aponogeton is a genus of tuberous aquatic plants (Aponogetonaceae) of the Old World tropics, including the Madagascar lace plant; many species inhabit seasonal waters and undergo a dormant rest period. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Madagascar.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-27 °C (68-81 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 60 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
A rosette bulb plant for the midground or background; the long, often crinkled leaves rise from a central tuber and benefit from open space. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the background under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagated from seed after flowering, and some species form daughter tubers; a dormant period with reduced feeding helps the tuber rebuild reserves. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: tuber.
Common issues
Leaves yellow and die back when the tuber enters dormancy, which is normal; lifting the tuber for a cool rest period prevents rot and triggers fresh growth.
Propagating Aponogeton boivinianus (Tuber Division and Seeds)
Overview
Aponogeton boivinianus is a Madagascan species in which a rosette of broad, elongated, strongly bullate (indented) dark green leaves arises from a round, flattened tuber. It reaches about 60 cm and prefers rather cool, very clean water and a good substrate. It is a heavy root feeder and an advanced plant to keep and propagate.
Unlike many of its relatives, A. boivinianus rarely if ever goes fully dormant, but its growth still benefits from a rest period. Propagation works through the storage tuber and through true seeds, since the flower spike can reach the water surface.
Propagation Method
There are two routes. The first is tuber division: most Aponogeton species reproduce by splitting the bulb, so a large tuber bearing more than one growth point can be cut into pieces. The second is seeds: the plant often flowers on a long spike that reaches the surface, and propagation is from seeds.
Step-by-Step
- For tuber division, lift a large, healthy tuber that shows more than one growing point or sprout.
- Cut the tuber so each piece keeps a growth point and some roots, then replant each piece in rich substrate with the tuber barely covered.
- For seeds, let the flower spike grow up to the water surface and flower in the open air above it.
- Pollinate the open flowers (for example by hand) and let seeds set on the spike.
- Sow the ripe seeds and grow them in a warm, damp, fine substrate until small plants form.
- Pot up the young plants once they have leaves and roots.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
- Rich, good substrate for this heavy root feeder, with the tuber barely buried.
- Very clean water and rather cooler temperatures than most tropical plants (about 20-27 C).
- Soft to moderately hard water around neutral pH.
- A rest period to keep the tuber vigorous over time.
Maintenance
Keep the water clean and the substrate rich, and remove decaying leaves so they do not foul the water. Allow the plant a rest period so the tuber can recharge its reserves, then it will sprint into new growth. Only divide a tuber that is clearly large and multi-crowned.
Common Challenges
- Tuber rot if pieces are cut without a healthy growth point or are buried too deeply.
- No seeds when the flower spike cannot reach the surface or the flowers are not pollinated.
- Stalled growth in poor substrate or warm, dirty water, since the species wants clean, cooler water and rich feeding.