Care specifications
| Type | Bulb |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Light | Medium (20–50 µmol PAR) |
| CO2 | Beneficial, not required |
| Fertilizer demand | High |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Max height | 20 in |
| Spread | 12 in |
| Placement | Background, Midground |
| Attaches to hardscape | No |
| Snail & shrimp safe | Yes |
| Temperature | 65–78 °F |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Color | Green |
| Trimming | Minimal |
| Styles | Biotope, Nature |
Get Madagascar Lace Plant
Propagation
Mature bulbs can be carefully divided if they form multiple crowns; flower spikes occasionally set seed at the surface.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my lace plant suddenly stop growing and lose its leaves?
Aponogetons grow from a bulb and many follow a natural rhythm of lush growth followed by a rest phase where leaves die back. Do not discard the bulb — leave it planted (or rest it in cooler water for a few weeks) and it typically resprouts. Steady cool temperatures and fresh root tabs encourage the next flush.
How do I keep algae out of the lattice leaves?
The open mesh traps debris and grows algae faster than solid leaves, and an algae-coated lace leaf rarely recovers. Keep light moderate rather than intense, maintain good flow and frequent water changes, and employ a cleanup crew — amano shrimp and small snails graze the lattice without harming it.
Is the Madagascar Lace Plant suitable for a beginner?
It is a poor first plant but a reasonable first challenge plant. The bulb gives it reserves that forgive early mistakes, and its actual demands — cooler water, clean conditions, root fertilization — are about consistency rather than equipment. Treat the price of the bulb as tuition.
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