TankBud

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

Aponogeton rigidifolius is a slow-growing, light-loving plant for the midground or background. It is moderately demanding and asks for some patience.

Did you know

Unlike most bulb-type Aponogeton, Aponogeton rigidifolius does not need a dormant rest. It can stay planted year round and behaves more like an ordinary rooted plant.

Caring for Aponogeton rigidifolius

Push the roots into the substrate and keep the rhizome at the surface or just under it, with the growing tip uncovered. Aponogeton rigidifolius is a root feeder, so give it a rich substrate or root tabs.

Give it medium light and good flow. It grows without injected CO2, but CO2 brings out its best growth. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and pH 6 to 7.5.

Growth is slow, so be patient while it establishes, and it rarely needs trimming. To propagate it, cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each and plant each piece.

Good to know

Aponogeton rigidifolius is unusual in its family, Aponogetonaceae, because it forms a long, branching rhizome instead of a rounded tuber. Its long, stiff leaves are banded with a wavy edge and rise in a loose rosette. Shops also call it the banded or rigid-leaf aponogeton.

In the wild

Aponogeton rigidifolius comes from southwestern Sri Lanka. It grows in clear forest streams, both slow and fast-flowing, where the water moves steadily.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton rigidifolius need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Push the roots into the substrate and keep the rhizome at the surface or just under it, with the growing tip uncovered.

Does Aponogeton rigidifolius need CO2?

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

How much light does Aponogeton rigidifolius need?

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

Does Aponogeton rigidifolius need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton rigidifolius 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 rigidifolius?

Aponogeton rigidifolius propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Aponogeton rigidifolius grow?

Aponogeton rigidifolius grows to about 23.6 in (60 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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