Madagascar Lace Plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) Care Guide
One of the most spectacular aquarium plants, featuring large leaves with a unique skeletal lattice structure where the leaf tissue between the veins is absent, creating a lace-like appearance.
Overview
Aponogeton madagascariensis is an aquatic plant in the family Aponogetonaceae. One of the most spectacular aquarium plants, featuring large leaves with a unique skeletal lattice structure where the leaf tissue between the veins is absent, creating a lace-like appearance. Requires excellent water quality and consistent conditions, as it is sensitive to sudden changes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Aponogetonaceae
- Genus: Aponogeton
- Scientific name: Aponogeton madagascariensis
- Other names: Lace Plant, Lattice Plant
Habitat
Endemic to Madagascar, where it grows in shaded, well-oxygenated streams and rivers with cool, soft, slightly acidic water. Wild populations are restricted and have declined due to habitat loss and over-collection for the aquarium trade.
Growth requirements
- Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 20-25 °C
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Growth rate: medium
- Difficulty: advanced
Placement
- Recommended placement: midground
- Maximum height: 50 cm
- Trim every: 14 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by vegetative division or fragmentation.