Aponogeton ulvaceus

Overview

Aponogeton ulvaceus is a bulb plant from Madagascar that grows a rosette of long, broad, heavily ruffled and almost translucent leaves in a light green that glows when backlit. When the current moves them, the effect is beautiful and very different from stem plants.

It is often sold as a dry bulb in blister packs, which makes it a cheap way to get a big, eye-catching plant. It suits medium to large community tanks. Its quirk is a growth and rest cycle: after several months of vigorous growth it may shed its leaves and go dormant, which is worth knowing so you do not throw it out thinking it died.

Care and tank setup

It needs room: a tank of 30 gallons (110 liters) or more and around 20 inches (50 cm) tall, because the leaves can reach 16 to 20 inches and spread across the surface. Place it in the back or as a centerpiece.

• Planting: bury the bulb only halfway, growing point up. Burying it completely invites rot.
• Light: medium. Very strong light keeps leaves short; too little makes them limp.
• Water: soft to moderately hard and not too warm; above 81 °F (27 °C) it burns out faster.

It does well with peaceful fish and shrimp. Herbivorous fish and large snails may eat the thin leaves. Typical mistakes: assuming it is dead when it goes dormant and tossing it, and letting the leaves cover the whole surface and shade the tank.

Fertilizing and trimming

The bulb stores reserves, but to grow well it needs root tabs near the roots every month plus a liquid fertilizer with iron. Remove old or tattered leaves by cutting them at the base and trim any that mat at the surface. If it stops producing leaves after several months, give it a rest: pull the bulb, keep it in a container of water with dim light at 64-68 °F (18-20 °C) for one to two months, then replant.

Propagation

It reproduces mainly by seed. A happy plant sends a flower spike above the water with white to yellowish flowers, and unlike many relatives, A. ulvaceus can self-pollinate. Seeds drop into the water, float for a few days, then sink and sprout into new bulbs. Brushing the flowers lightly with a soft paintbrush improves the odds. Occasionally the bulb also splits.

Recommended equipment

What you need to keep the Aponogeton ulvaceus healthy, checked against Amazon stock.