TankBud

Lagenandra thwaitesii

Also known as Silver edge lagenandra, Silver-rimmed lagenandra, Thwaites' lagenandra

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome divisiondivision

Lagenandra thwaitesii (Lagenandra thwaitesii)
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Spread
7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Araceae
Origin
Native to shaded, fast flowing streams in Sri Lanka, where it roots in gravel and rock along the banks.

Overview

Set the rhizome on or just above the substrate, or wedge it against hardscape, and give it moderate light with a rich root supply. It is a slow grower that responds well to CO2 but does not require it, and like crypts it can melt after a move before regrowing. The silver edge on the leaves comes and goes depending on conditions.

In the wild

Lagenandra thwaitesii is a Sri Lankan aroid with upright, lance shaped dark green leaves edged in a thin silver rim. It grows from a thick creeping rhizome much like a crypt and can reach a good size over time. The silvery leaf margin gives it a refined look that suits the mid to background.

Good to know

Lagenandra are close relatives of Cryptocoryne and flower through a similar spathe, but their new leaves unroll flat instead of rolled up. The species is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Did you know

It shares the crypt habit of melting back when moved or when water chemistry shifts, then pushing out fresh leaves from the surviving rhizome.

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