Aponogeton madagascariensis var. madagascariensis

Description

Aponogeton madagascariensis originates from flowing waters on Madagascar. Its unique lacy leaf structure has made it challenging to keep in aquariums since the 1950s. There are three varieties: var. henkelianus, var. major, and var. madagascariensis. Var. henkelianus has irregularly structured leaves, while var. major has evenly structured leaves. Var. madagascariensis grows larger, with smaller leaves up to 1 meter in length, including the leaf stalk. Its flowers are pink to purple. The plant cannot be propagated by self-pollination. The inflorescence of Aponogeton madagascariensis has a diameter of up to 1.5 cm. Fully grown plants require at least 500 liters of water volume. All varieties prefer substrates poor in nutrients and may develop dark brown, spreading dead zones if the substrate is too rich. The plant requires roots from other plants to get a firm hold in the aquarium, but these "helper plants" should not grow larger than Aponogeton madagascariensis or shade its leaves. It needs medium light intensity with direct light on the plant, CO2 fertilization, and sufficient micro- and macronutrients. The plant is susceptible to iron deficiency. It may require a resting phase where all leaves die off, but the tuberous root must never dry out. The plant may or may not sprout new leaves after this phase. If it doesn't receive enough CO2 and nutrients, it will still continue to grow new leaves by drawing on its reserves. Aponogeton madagascariensis grows best at temperatures below 24°C. At higher temperatures, growth slows down, and the plant produces smaller leaves. It releases seeds in a watertight pod that floats on the water surface for 1-2 days before splitting and releasing the seedling into the water. Under good growth conditions, young plants can reach 10 cm in length with a bulb diameter of around 1 cm after 3-4 months. They can be replanted safely when they reach this size. Var. henkelianus and var. major can grow compactly under sufficient light, making them suitable for the middleground of large aquaria. Var. madagascariensis is better suited for the background and requires a tank that does not allow its leaves to reach the water surface.