TankBud

Aponogeton undulatus

Also known as Wavy-leaf aponogeton, Undulate aponogeton, Ruffled aponogeton

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsetsPlantlets

Aponogeton undulatus (Aponogeton undulatus)
Flickr-User vincent.limshowchen (Vincent Lim Show Chen) · CC BY-SA 2.0

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
21.7 in
55 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
9.8 in (25 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Aponogetonaceae
Origin
Native to still and slow-moving waters, including rice paddies and shallow streams, in eastern India and Bangladesh.

Overview

Aponogeton undulatus is an easy, fast-growing bulb plant for the background. Established bulbs send up many long leaves that sway in the current.

Did you know

Aponogeton undulatus often skips seeds entirely and grows baby plants right on its flower stalk. You can snip them off and plant them once they have roots and leaves.

Caring for Aponogeton undulatus

Plant the tuber with its top just above the substrate, so the bulb does not rot. Aponogeton undulatus is a root feeder, so a rich substrate or root tabs help it along.

Medium light gives it steady, fast growth. CO2 is not required, though added CO2 speeds it up. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and pH 6 to 7.5.

Remove old outer leaves as they fade to keep the rosette tidy. Propagate it from bulb offsets, which you can separate and plant, or from its plantlets.

Good to know

Aponogeton undulatus is a member of the family Aponogetonaceae, a small group of tuberous aquatic plants from the Old World tropics. It forms a rosette of translucent green leaves with strongly wavy edges. Its genus is known for its fenestrated and wavy-leaved species.

In the wild

Aponogeton undulatus is native to eastern India and Bangladesh. It grows in shallow, still and slow-moving waters, including rice paddies and shallow streams.

Common questions

Does Aponogeton undulatus 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 undulatus need CO2?

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

How much light does Aponogeton undulatus need?

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

Does Aponogeton undulatus need root tabs?

Yes. Aponogeton undulatus 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 undulatus?

Aponogeton undulatus propagates by bulb offsets and plantlets. The bulb forms offsets, which can be separated and planted on their own. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots.

How tall does Aponogeton undulatus grow?

Aponogeton undulatus grows to about 21.7 in (55 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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