Aponogeton natans

Also known as Floating-leaf aponogeton, Kekatiya, Indian aponogeton

FreshwaterBulb / tuberbulbseeds

Aponogeton natans (Aponogeton natans) — (c) Aravinth, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Aravinth · cc-by

Care at a glance

Light: Medium light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Temperature: 68–82°F; 20–28°C
Max height: 15.7 in; 40 cm

Growth rate: Medium
Placement: Background
Type: Bulb / tuber
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Spread: 15.7 in (40 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root feeder
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Family: Aponogetonaceae
Origin: Native to ponds, tanks, and slow streams across India and Sri Lanka.

Overview

This easy bulb prefers medium to high light and a nutrient-rich substrate, and it does not require CO2. Bury only the lower half of the tuber so the crown does not rot, and let it settle before expecting a flush of leaves. Give it room in the background, as its floating leaves can shade plants below.

In the wild

Aponogeton natans sprouts from a tuber to produce both submerged strap leaves and oval floating leaves that reach the surface. It grows in ponds and slow streams that warm and dry seasonally. A healthy bulb can carry a large number of leaves at once.

Good to know

Aponogeton natans belongs to the family Aponogetonaceae, a small group of tuberous aquatic plants from the Old World tropics. The species name natans means floating, a reference to its surface leaves. It flowers readily and can set seed through self-pollination.