TankBud

Aponogeton capuronii

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsets

Aponogeton capuronii (Aponogeton capuronii)
Malthusser · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
Max height
23.6 in
60 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
5.7–7.4
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Aponogetonaceae
Origin
Madagascar (south and southeast)

Overview

Aponogeton capuronii is a solitary centerpiece bulb for the background of a larger tank, where it can reach around 60 cm. It is moderately demanding.

Did you know

Most Madagascan aponogetons insist on a dormant rest that catches new keepers out. Aponogeton capuronii is one of the least dormancy-prone of the group and often grows straight through the year in a stable tank.

Caring for Aponogeton capuronii

Plant the tuber shallowly in a nutritious substrate, with the tip exposed so it does not rot. Aponogeton capuronii feeds mainly through its roots, so add root tabs or grow it in a rich soil.

Moderate light suits it, and CO2 helps but is not essential. Keep it at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) with a pH of 5.7 to 7.4.

It grows at a moderate pace. What it really dislikes is disturbance, so avoid big water changes and do not keep moving the bulb. The bulb forms daughter tubers, which you can separate and plant on their own. If growth stalls after a strong run, let the tuber rest rather than throwing it out.

Good to know

Aponogeton capuronii is a member of Aponogetonaceae named for Rene Capuron, the French botanist who spent decades documenting the flora of Madagascar. It is often compared to Aponogeton ulvaceus but stays smaller. Its firm, strap-shaped leaves have strongly undulate, almost ruffled edges.

In the wild

Aponogeton capuronii grows in rivers and streams of southern and southeastern Madagascar. It roots in the bed and lets its leaves trail in the current. Like the rest of the Madagascan aponogetons, it grows from a tuber that carries it through seasonal lows in its rivers. The water there is soft and slightly acidic.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton capuronii 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 capuronii need CO2?

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

How much light does Aponogeton capuronii need?

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

Does Aponogeton capuronii need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton capuronii 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 capuronii?

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

How tall does Aponogeton capuronii grow?

Aponogeton capuronii grows to about 23.6 in (60 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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