TankBud

Aponogeton crispus

Also known as Crinkled aponogeton, Wavy-edged swordplant

FreshwaterBulb / tuberSeedsBulb offsets

Aponogeton crispus (Aponogeton crispus)
Drhyperlaur at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Aponogetonaceae
Origin
Sri Lanka and southern India

Overview

Aponogeton crispus is a fast, undemanding bulb plant for the background, or as a specimen in medium to large tanks. It is easy to grow.

Did you know

Aponogeton crispus is one of the few aquarium plants that will actually flower in the tank. It sends a slender stalk to the surface, where a small white to pinkish spike opens above the waterline.

Caring for Aponogeton crispus

Set the tuber on or just into a nutrient-rich substrate, with the growing tip exposed so it does not rot. Aponogeton crispus draws most of its nutrition through its roots, so feed it with root tabs.

Medium light suits it. CO2 is not required, but it pushes faster, fuller growth. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and pH 5.5 to 7.5.

It grows fast, so expect to trim old leaves often. It propagates from seed and from bulb offsets, which you can separate and plant on their own.

It may go dormant and drop its leaves, which is normal. Leave the tuber in place, and it usually resprouts in a few weeks.

Good to know

Aponogeton crispus is a member of Aponogetonaceae that grows from a rounded tuber. The species is highly variable, and several aquarium strains and hybrids trade under the same name. One of them is a Tropica cross with A. rigidifolius. Its long, translucent leaves are strongly crinkled along the edges and run from green to bronze-red depending on light.

In the wild

Aponogeton crispus is native to Sri Lanka and parts of southern India. It grows submersed in streams, ponds and seasonal pools, and many of these waters dry down for part of the year. Its storage tuber lets it rest through the dry season. It is a true tropical, soft-water rosette plant.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton crispus 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 crispus need CO2?

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

How much light does Aponogeton crispus need?

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

Does Aponogeton crispus need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton crispus 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 crispus?

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

How tall does Aponogeton crispus grow?

Aponogeton crispus grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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