Aponogeton ulvaceus

Quick facts

Max height

50 cm

Growth rate

fast

Difficulty

beginner

Placement

midground, background

Propagation

bulb

Water parameters

Temperature

22–28°C

pH

6.0 to 7.5

Hardness

2 to 12 dGH

Light and nutrients

Lighting

medium

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

any

Feeding

feeds from both water column and roots (liquid ferts plus root tabs)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

will be eaten by mollies, silver dollars, large goldfish, and other plant-grazers

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

may get uprooted by active diggers

Root-disturbing fish

sensitive to root disturbance, plant where roots stay undisturbed

Habitat

Native to Madagascar, where it grows in slow-moving streams, pools, and lake margins. The species (Aponogeton ulvaceus) produces some of the most dramatic foliage in the aquarium plant hobby: broad, translucent, bright green leaves with wavy to heavily ruffled margins that can reach 50–60 cm long. The leaves are thin and delicate, with a texture resembling sea lettuce (Ulva, hence the species name). A mature specimen in full growth is one of the largest and most visually striking aquarium plants available. The plant grows from a bulb and, like other Aponogetons, may go through periodic dormancy where it dies back to the bulb before regrowing. Native to a tropical island with stable warm temperatures, so it tends to have less pronounced dormancy than temperate Aponogeton species.

Care notes

A showpiece plant for medium to large tanks (120 L) with moderate to strong lighting. Plant the bulb with the top half exposed above the substrate. The long, wavy leaves need space; a mature specimen can easily fill a 30 cm radius with flowing, translucent foliage. In current from a filter outlet, the ruffled leaves create a dramatic waving effect. Heavy root feeder; root tabs are essential. Water column fertilization (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, micronutrients) supports the fast growth rate. Without adequate nutrition, the new leaves emerge smaller and less ruffled. CO2 injection is not strictly required but significantly improves growth vigor and leaf size. Growth rate under good conditions is fast: a new leaf every 2-3 days, each one potentially 30–50 cm long. Dormancy occurs but is less predictable than with temperate Aponogetons. Some specimens grow continuously for years; others rest periodically. If the bulb goes dormant, leave it in the substrate and wait; it usually regrows within a month or two. Propagation by daughter bulbs or by seed (the flower spike must reach the air above the water surface to pollinate). The plant has a reputation for being dramatic but temporary; some specimens grow vigorously for 6-12 months then decline. This is usually related to nutrient exhaustion in the bulb or the onset of dormancy rather than actual death. Replenish root tabs and be patient. Compatible with most community fish; only dedicated herbivores (silver dollars, Buenos Aires tetras) damage the delicate leaves.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean