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

Lagenandra nairii is an easy rhizome plant for the midground, grown much like a small crypt or anubias. It suits a low-tech tank.

Did you know

Lagenandra nairii is the one Lagenandra that also spreads by underground runners like a crypt. It does this on top of the usual creeping rhizome.

Caring for Lagenandra nairii

Push the roots into a nutrient-rich substrate and keep the rhizome at the surface. The rich substrate helps, though Lagenandra nairii does not demand it. It grows both submerged and emersed, depending on the water level.

Modest light is enough. It grows without injected CO2, though CO2 speeds it along. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help.

Growth is slow, so give it stable water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and time to settle. Then split the rhizome, or separate the daughter plants it sends up on runners. The sap can irritate skin, and cutting the rhizome releases a milky latex, so rinse your hands after dividing it.

Good to know

Lagenandra nairii belongs to the arum family Araceae, alongside Cryptocoryne, Anubias and the other Lagenandra. It is sometimes sold as Lagenandra sp. 'Green'. Next to bigger relatives like L. ovata, it is a compact grower.

In the wild

Lagenandra nairii is native to Kerala in southwest India. 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.

Common questions

Does Lagenandra nairii 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 Lagenandra nairii need CO2?

No, but it helps. Lagenandra nairii can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Lagenandra nairii need?

Lagenandra nairii is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Lagenandra nairii need root tabs?

They help. Lagenandra nairii takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Lagenandra nairii?

Lagenandra nairii propagates by rhizome division, runners and side shoots. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.