Aponogeton rigidifolius

Also known as Rigid-leaf aponogeton, Stiff-leaved aponogeton, Banded aponogeton

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome division

Aponogeton rigidifolius (Aponogeton rigidifolius) — Bc999 (Black crow) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Light: Medium light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Temperature: 72–82°F; 22–28°C
Max height: 23.6 in; 60 cm

Growth rate: Slow
Placement: Background
Type: Rhizome
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–10 dGH
Spread: 9.8 in (25 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root feeder
Growth region: Submersed
Difficulty: Medium
Family: Aponogetonaceae
Origin: Native to slow and fast-flowing forest streams in southwestern Sri Lanka.

Overview

Rigidifolius is a slower, light-loving plant that appreciates medium light, good flow, and CO2 for best growth. Because it grows from a rhizome rather than a tuber, it does not need a dormant rest and can stay planted year round. Set it in the mid to background and be patient while it establishes.

In the wild

Aponogeton rigidifolius produces long, stiff, banded leaves with a wavy edge that rise in a loose rosette. Unlike most of its genus it grows from a creeping rhizome rather than a round tuber. It comes from clear Sri Lankan forest streams with steady flow.

Good to know

Aponogeton rigidifolius is unusual in its family, Aponogetonaceae, because it forms a long, branching rhizome instead of a rounded tuber. It also skips the dormant rest period that many Aponogeton species need. These traits make it behave more like a typical rooted aquarium plant.

Did you know

Unlike most bulb-type Aponogeton, it grows from a creeping rhizome and does not need a dormant rest, so it behaves more like an ordinary rooted plant.