TankBud

Aponogeton longiplumulosus

Also known as Long-plumed aponogeton, Aponogeton longiplumosus, Aponogeton longiplumulosis

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsets

Aponogeton longiplumulosus (Aponogeton longiplumulosus)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
64–79°F
18–26°C
Max height
23.6 in
60 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
5.7–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Aponogetonaceae
Origin
Madagascar

Overview

A relatively undemanding bulb plant for its collector status, happy in soft to moderately hard water with a rich substrate. Bury only about half the bulb and leave the crown exposed so it does not rot, and give it root tabs since it draws most nutrients through the tuber and roots. Medium to bright light and 8 to 10 hours a day keep the ruffled leaves full; CO2 is not required but speeds growth. It makes a striking background plant in taller tanks. Like most Aponogeton it takes intermittent dormancy periods, though you can usually leave the bulb in the tank to resprout rather than removing it.

In the wild

Endemic to Madagascar, growing fully submerged in slow-moving rivers and freshwater lakes. It develops from a rounded bulb (tuber) and produces long, narrow, strap-like leaves with strongly ruffled or crinkled edges, olive green to reddish-brown in colour, that can reach the surface in a tall tank.

Good to know

A member of the cape-pondweed family Aponogetonaceae, one of many Aponogeton species endemic to Madagascar. Its ruffled lance-shaped leaves look like a cross between a typical Aponogeton and Crypt balansae. It flowers on an emergent spike, and the lavender to violet blooms distinguish it from many white- or yellow-flowered relatives. It grows from a storage tuber rather than a rhizome.

Did you know

Did you know that unlike many Aponogeton species that must be lifted and stored dry through a dormant rest period, longiplumulosus can normally be left planted in the aquarium during its rest, quietly resprouting new leaves from the same bulb.

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