Aponogeton Madagascar

Aponogeton Madagascar, scientific name Aponogeton madagascariensis. As you might guess, this plant comes from the island of Madagascar. Available in the aquarium hobby from 1950-x years. The main feature of this plant is the unusual mesh structure of the leaves. There are two varieties var. Henkelianus and var. Major, which differ in the size and shape of the “cells”. In the first, the lattice structure has an irregular shape, in the second it is more symmetrical. The plant is able to grow to an impressive size with leaves up to one meter long, so it will become cramped even in a 500 liter aquarium.

All varieties of Aponogeton Madagascar are demanding in terms of their care and conditions of detention, and are not recommended for beginner aquarists. The plant prefers substrates that are poor (!) in nutrients, but at the same time contain a sufficient amount of iron. In excessively fertilized soil, the leaves become covered with dark spots and gradually die off. The presence of the roots of other plants is obligatory, which contributes to the better rooting of Aponogeton, and also does not allow it to grow strongly. The optimum temperature should not exceed 24 ° C, otherwise growth will be slowed down or even stopped. The introduction of carbon dioxide is mandatory.

Forms a tuber that accumulates nutrients. It should not be completely immersed in the substrate. Information is often found in the literature that the plant periodically enters a state of “rest”, accompanied by leaf fall. In nature, this phenomenon occurs when environmental conditions deteriorate and thus the plant is protected from negative factors. However, in a balanced aquarium ecosystem, this should not happen. Complete leaf fall is likely to indicate the death of the plant. Deficiencies in content may not show up and Aponogeton Madagascar will continue to look quite healthy. This will continue until the resources of the tuber are exhausted, and then the plant will quickly wither.