TankBud

Aponogeton longiplumulosus

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

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsets

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

Aponogeton longiplumulosus is a collector's bulb plant for the background of taller tanks. It is relatively undemanding for such a sought-after plant.

Did you know

Many Aponogeton species must be lifted and stored dry through their dormant rest. Aponogeton longiplumulosus can normally stay planted in the aquarium and quietly resprout new leaves from the same bulb.

Caring for Aponogeton longiplumulosus

Bury only about half the bulb in a rich substrate and leave the crown exposed, so it does not rot. Aponogeton longiplumulosus draws most of its nutrients through the tuber and roots, so give it root tabs.

Medium light for 8 to 10 hours a day keeps the ruffled leaves full. CO2 is not required, but it speeds growth. It is happy in soft to moderately hard water at 64 to 79°F (18 to 26°C).

It grows at a moderate pace, and in a tall tank the leaves can reach the surface. The bulb forms offsets that you can separate and plant on their own. Like most Aponogeton, it takes a dormant rest from time to time.

Good to know

Aponogeton longiplumulosus belongs to the cape-pondweed family, Aponogetonaceae, and grows from a storage tuber rather than a rhizome. Its long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves have strongly ruffled edges and run from olive green to reddish-brown. They look like a cross between a typical Aponogeton and Crypt balansae. It flowers on an emergent spike, and its lavender to violet blooms set it apart from many white or yellow-flowered relatives.

In the wild

Aponogeton longiplumulosus is endemic to Madagascar, one of many Aponogeton species found only there. It grows fully submerged in slow-moving rivers and freshwater lakes.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton longiplumulosus 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 longiplumulosus need CO2?

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

How much light does Aponogeton longiplumulosus need?

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

Does Aponogeton longiplumulosus need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton longiplumulosus 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 longiplumulosus?

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

How tall does Aponogeton longiplumulosus grow?

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

Related plants