TankBud

Aponogeton ulvaceus

Also known as Compact aponogeton

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsets

Aponogeton ulvaceus (Aponogeton ulvaceus)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
4–12 dGH
Spread
19.7 in (50 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Aponogetonaceae
Origin
Madagascar

Overview

Aponogeton ulvaceus is a solitary bulb plant for the background, or as a specimen in larger tanks. Its long leaves fill out the back of the tank, and it is moderately demanding.

Did you know

Some plants sold as Aponogeton ulvaceus are actually hybrids. The genus is famous for the Madagascar lace plant, A. madagascariensis. Its leaves are reduced to a skeletal lattice of veins with no tissue in between.

Caring for Aponogeton ulvaceus

Bury only the lower half of the tuber and leave the growing point exposed, or it will rot. Aponogeton ulvaceus feeds through its roots, so push iron-rich root tabs into the substrate near it.

It does fine in medium light without CO2. With CO2 it colors up and grows faster. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and pH 6.5 to 7.5.

It grows fast and spreads to about 20 in (50 cm) across, so give it room. The bulb forms offsets that you can separate and plant on their own.

If it suddenly drops all its leaves, it has entered its dormancy cycle. Do not throw the tuber out. Leave it in place, and it usually resprouts within a few weeks.

Good to know

Aponogeton ulvaceus is a member of the Aponogetonaceae that grows from a rounded tuber rather than from a crown or runners. A single healthy tuber can throw 40 or more leaves. The blades are delicate, translucent and light green, with a wavy, fluted edge. It flowers on a stalk that reaches the surface, and you can hand-pollinate it to set seed.

In the wild

Aponogeton ulvaceus is native to Madagascar. It grows fully submersed in slow-moving rivers, lakes and seasonal ponds. Many of these waters dry back or slow down for part of the year. Its tuber can sit dormant through a dry spell and resprout when conditions return.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton ulvaceus 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 ulvaceus need CO2?

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

How much light does Aponogeton ulvaceus need?

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

Does Aponogeton ulvaceus need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton ulvaceus 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 ulvaceus?

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

How tall does Aponogeton ulvaceus grow?

Aponogeton ulvaceus grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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