Aponogeton natans Care Guide
Aponogeton natans is a South Asian species of the family Aponogetonaceae from wetlands and rice fields, suited to shallow tanks and paludariums.
Overview
Aponogeton natans is a submerged aquatic plant in the family Aponogetonaceae, with the binomial authority (L.) Engl. & K.Krause. It produces elongated leaves and, in shallow water, floating leaves with white to pink flower spikes. It is suited to shallow tanks and paludariums rather than deep aquascapes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Aponogetonaceae
- Genus: Aponogeton
- Scientific name: Aponogeton natans
- Common name: Floating Aponogeton
Origin
The species is native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, where it grows in temporary stagnant waters.
Habitat
Natural habitats are wetlands and rice fields with shallow, often seasonal water. The plant adapts to stagnant conditions and develops floating leaves at the surface.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (tolerant 20-31 °C)
- pH: 6.0-7.8
- GH: 4-16 °dGH
- Lighting: medium to high
- CO2: not required; tolerates 0-40 mg/L
- Substrate: nutrient-rich
- Maximum height: about 60 cm
- Placement: background; develops floating leaves
Planting & care
The rhizome is planted in nutrient-rich substrate. Because it naturally develops floating leaves, it performs best in shallower setups and paludariums. Growth is medium to fast given adequate light and nutrients.
Propagation
Propagation is by seed and by division of the rhizome.
Difficulty
The species is rated intermediate. Its tendency to form floating leaves and its origin in seasonal waters mean it is better suited to shallow displays than to deep planted tanks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (3.1).