TankBud

Aponogeton natans

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

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsetsSeeds

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

Aponogeton natans is an easy bulb plant for the background. It grows submerged strap leaves as well as oval leaves that float on the surface.

Did you know

In a shallow tank, the floating leaves of Aponogeton natans can quickly form a canopy that shades everything below.

Caring for Aponogeton natans

Bury only the lower half of the tuber in a nutrient-rich substrate, so the crown does not rot. Aponogeton natans is a root feeder, so push root tabs in near it as it grows.

Medium light suits it. It does not require CO2, though added CO2 speeds it up. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

Let it settle before you expect a flush of leaves. It grows at a moderate pace and spreads wide, so give it room in the background. The bulb forms offsets that you can separate and plant, and the plant also sets seed.

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.

In the wild

Aponogeton natans is native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows in ponds, tanks and slow streams that warm and dry seasonally. A healthy bulb can carry a large number of leaves at once.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton natans 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 natans need CO2?

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

How much light does Aponogeton natans need?

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

Does Aponogeton natans need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton natans 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 natans?

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

How tall does Aponogeton natans grow?

Aponogeton natans grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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