Aponogeton Madagascariensis / Madagascar Lace Bulb

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Lattice Leaf Plant; Lace Leaf Plant; Madagascar Lattice Plant

Synonyms

Ouvirandra fenestralis

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Madagascar

Habitat

Slow to moderately fast-flowing rivers and clear, soft streams in Madagascar, sometimes in shaded areas beneath overhanging vegetation.

Sourcing

Both

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Difficult

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

8 – 24 in (20 – 61 cm)

Spread

16 in (41 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

64 – 75 °F (18 – 24 °C)

pH

5.5 – 7.0

GH

2 – 8 dGH

Flow

Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division, Seeds

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Care guide

Overview

Madagascar Lace grows from a tuberous bulb into a rosette of fenestrated leaves whose tissue between the veins is naturally absent, leaving a skeletal, lattice pattern. It prefers cooler, soft, slightly acidic water with moderate flow and roots-based feeding, and periodically sheds leaves to rest. Best kept solitary as a specimen plant in medium to large tanks.

Care

This species is grown from a tuberous bulb and forms a rosette of long, fenestrated leaves in which the tissue between the veins is naturally absent, giving a lattice or skeleton appearance. It prefers cooler water than most tropical plants, generally staying healthiest between about 64 and 75°F, since warmer temperatures accelerate its metabolism beyond what the bulb can sustain and lead to rot. Soft, slightly acidic water, steady flow, and good filtration help keep the delicate leaves clean of algae and debris, and the plant may periodically shed its leaves and rest even when conditions are otherwise stable.

Planting & trimming

Plant the bulb at a slight angle with only the lower half to two-thirds buried in the substrate, leaving the crown exposed to prevent rot. Use a nutrient-rich substrate or add root tabs beneath the bulb, and provide moderate water flow to keep the leaves clean and well oxygenated. As the plant grows large, it works best as a solitary specimen with ample space in the midground to background of medium to large tanks.

Fertilizing

Root feeding matters more than water column dosing for this species, so tuck root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate beneath the bulb to support the extensive root system. Liquid fertilization with iron and trace elements benefits leaf development, and pale or thin new growth often signals a lack of nutrients at the roots. CO2 supplementation is not mandatory but tends to produce fuller, faster growth and larger leaves.

Propagation

Propagation is most commonly achieved from seed after hand-pollinating the emergent flower spike with a small brush, since the plant rarely self-pollinates reliably underwater. Some varieties with a more rhizomatous tuber can be divided by cutting the rhizome to produce additional plants, though this is slower and less common in the trade. Tissue culture has also been used commercially to produce more consistent, disease-free stock.

Problems

Bulb rot is the most common problem, usually caused by burying the bulb too deeply or keeping the tank too warm, so only the lower half to two-thirds of the bulb should sit in the substrate. The open lattice leaves have a large surface area relative to their tissue and easily trap algae or debris, so stable water quality and gentle cleaning are important. Periodic leaf loss and dormancy are natural rather than a sign of disease, and the bulb should not be discarded during these rest periods.

Sources

1. Madagascar lace care: light, CO2 and placement · TankBud
2. Aponogeton madagascariensis – Madagascar Lace Plant
3. Secrets of the Madagascar Lace Plant | Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine
4. Madagascar Lace Plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) Care & Tank Mates, Fin & Stem

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