TankBud

Aponogeton boivinianus

Also known as Madagascar swordplant, Boivin's aponogeton

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsets

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
31.5 in
80 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Aponogetonaceae
Origin
Madagascar

Overview

Aponogeton boivinianus is a large statement plant for the background of big tanks only. It is moderately demanding, and it tends to be pricier and harder to find than the common Aponogeton.

Did you know

The leaves of Aponogeton boivinianus look almost quilted. That texture comes from raised pockets of tissue, called bullae, between the veins. It makes the plant easy to pick out among the sword-leaved bulb plants.

Caring for Aponogeton boivinianus

Push the roots into a rich substrate and sit the tuber with its sprout tip at the surface. Aponogeton boivinianus is a root feeder, so give it a steady supply of root tabs.

Medium light suits it. It grows without injected CO2, but CO2 and root tabs both noticeably improve its growth. Give it some current and clean water, and keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

It grows fast into a full rosette and can reach about 32 in (80 cm), so plan on trimming old leaves. The bulb forms offsets that you can separate and plant on their own.

It needs a real rest period, when the bulb sheds its leaves. Do not throw the tuber out. Leave it in place and wait for it to resprout.

Good to know

Aponogeton boivinianus is a member of the family Aponogetonaceae that grows from a rounded tuber. It is larger and more robust than A. crispus. Young leaves come in light green to brownish and turn dark green as they mature. Like other Aponogeton, it can flower above the surface.

In the wild

Aponogeton boivinianus is endemic to Madagascar. It grows submersed in flowing streams and rivers, and its tuber carries it through a dry phase when it rests.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton boivinianus need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes, but only partly. Push the roots into the substrate and leave at least the top half of the bulb uncovered so it doesn't rot.

Does Aponogeton boivinianus need CO2?

No, but it helps. Aponogeton boivinianus can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Aponogeton boivinianus need?

Aponogeton boivinianus wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Aponogeton boivinianus need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton boivinianus draws much of its food through its roots. Push root tabs in near it, or grow it in a nutrient-rich soil.

How do you propagate Aponogeton boivinianus?

Aponogeton boivinianus propagates by bulb offsets. The bulb forms offsets, which can be separated and planted on their own.

How tall does Aponogeton boivinianus grow?

Aponogeton boivinianus grows to about 31.5 in (80 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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