Lagenandra nairii

Also known as Lagenandra sp. 'Green', Lagenandra nairii 'Compact', Dwarf lagenandra

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome divisionRunnersSide shoots

Care at a glance

Light: Low light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Temperature: 72–82°F; 22–28°C
Max height: 5.9 in; 15 cm

Growth rate: Slow
Placement: Midground
Type: Rhizome
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Spread: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Family: Araceae
Origin: South-west India (Kerala)

Overview

An easy, slow rhizome plant grown much like a small Crypt or Anubias, happy in low-tech tanks with modest light. It appreciates a nutrient-rich substrate, and CO2 speeds it along, but it does not demand either. Give it stable water and time to settle, then propagate by splitting the rhizome or separating the daughter plants it sends up on runners. It grows both submerged and emersed depending on water level.

In the wild

Native to Kerala in south-west India, where it grows along rivers near the Athirappally falls and the Chalakkudi river, often on shaded banks that flood and submerge it during the monsoon. It creeps along a stout rhizome, sending up narrow green lance-shaped leaves.

Good to know

Lagenandra nairii belongs to the arum family Araceae, alongside Cryptocoryne, Anubias and the other Lagenandra. It is notable for being the one Lagenandra that also spreads by underground runners like a Crypt, on top of the usual creeping rhizome. Sometimes sold as Lagenandra sp. 'Green', it is a compact grower next to bigger relatives like L. ovata.

Did you know

Did you know Lagenandra sap can be a skin irritant, and cutting the rhizome releases a milky latex, so it is worth rinsing your hands after dividing the plant.