Madagascar Lace Plant
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
One of the most-prized of freshwater aquarium plants. Illustration by Sir William Jackson Hooker, 1856
[edit] Overview
The Madagascar Lace Plant is among the most sought-after of aquarium plants as its latticelike leaves and majestic size make it a true centerpiece. It has a reputation for being challenging to keep.
Family: Aponogetonaceae
Other common name(s):
- Laceleaf
Native range:
Habitat: Shaded, slow-moving streams in the wild.
Maximum height: 60 cm (24 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Lighting: Moderate.
Placement: Center or center-rear with plenty of room to expand.
Water: Freshwater 18 °C (291 K, 64 °F) - 23 °C (296 K, 73 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Requires moderate to heavy feeding. Fertilize regularly.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Can be quite particular about its keeping conditions, requiring medium light, very clean water, and a pH of 7.0 or less. They do best when planted in individual small pots where the corm will not be disturbed. Floating plants can help subdue the light from above in a brightly lit aquarium.
[edit] Special Care
Detritus and algae can become trapped in the open leaf structure and will kill the plant. Gentle algae eaters such as Otocinclus vestitus (Dwarf Suckermouth Catfish) can help with intricate leaf maintenance. Plants may die back and recover periodically.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Seed and crown division. Mature specimens will flower, holding spikes of tiny white flowers just above the water line. When these flowers die off and seeds drop onto fine, rich gravel, new lace plants will grow around the parent plant. This is a slow process, taking three to four years to produce a full-size plant from seed. Dividing the crown of a large, healthy plant is a quicker method of propagation.
[edit] Notes
This plant is reportedly threatened in the wild. Captive-propagated plants are replacing wild imports in the aquarium trade.
| Common name | Madagascar Lace Plant +, and Laceleaf + |
| Family | Aponogetonaceae + |
| Genus | Aponogeton + |
| Image credit | WJH + |
| Lighting | Moderate. + |
| Maximum height | 24 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Madagascar +, and Mauritius + |
| Placement | Center or center-rear with plenty of room to expand. + |
| Reference | 101 Best Aquarium Plants + |
| Specific name | madagascariensis + |
| Text credit | MES + |
| Water max temp | 296 K (23 °C, 73 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 291 K (18 °C, 64 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |