Propagating Aponogeton madagascariensis (Madagascar Lace Plant)

How to propagate the Madagascar lace plant by tuber division and seed, covering its rest period, cool clean water and the lattice-leaved tuber care this advanced species needs.

Overview

Aponogeton madagascariensis, the Madagascar lace plant, is one of the most spectacular aquarium plants. Its leaves spread horizontally beneath the surface and are little more than a lattice-like skeletal network of veins with no tissue between them. The blades grow 15-55 cm long and the plant rises from a tuberous rhizome about 3 cm across.

It is an advanced, root-feeding species that needs excellent, stable water quality. Propagation works through the tuber/rhizome and through true seeds produced by flowers held above the surface.

Propagation Method

The two routes are tuber/rhizome division and seed. The tuberous rhizome can be divided into sections, each capable of growing into a new plant. For seed, the plant flowers on erect, two-pronged spikes up to a metre long that rise as much as 20 cm above the water, with white bracts protecting the flowers; pollinated flowers may set seed, though seeds often fail to germinate.

Step-by-Step

Wait for a mature, vigorously growing plant with a well-developed tuberous rhizome.
Lift the tuber and cut it into sections with a clean blade, ensuring each piece has growth points and roots.
Replant each section in nutrient-rich substrate and let it establish.
For seed, allow the flower spike to emerge above the surface, pollinate, and collect any seed that forms.
After flowering, allow the plant a rest/dormancy period before expecting strong regrowth.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Water: cool, clean water (around 15-26°C) with a pH roughly between 5 and 7.5.
Light: it grows optimally in lower light; bright light encourages algae on the delicate lattice leaves.
Flow: strong water movement and high filtration are recommended by enthusiasts.
Substrate: a nutrient-rich bed supports this root feeder.

Maintenance

Honour the rest period: newly imported tubers often perform well at first but frequently decline in their second year, so a dormancy phase helps the tuber recover. Keep water clean and cool, limit light to suppress algae on the lattice leaves, and feed the roots.

Common Challenges

Algae on leaves: bright light encourages algae growth on the skeletal leaves, which is very difficult to remove.
Second-year decline: imported tubers often fail in their second year without a proper rest period.
Poor seed germination: seeds frequently fail, making division the safer propagation route.
Sensitivity: the plant is sensitive to sudden changes and needs consistent conditions.