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 feeder
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

Lagenandra thwaitesii is a rhizome plant for the midground to background of the tank. It rates medium in difficulty.

Did you know

The silver edge on the leaves of Lagenandra thwaitesii comes and goes depending on conditions.

Caring for Lagenandra thwaitesii

Set the rhizome on or just above the substrate, or wedge it against hardscape. Lagenandra thwaitesii feeds mainly through its roots, so give it a rich substrate or push root tabs in near it.

Medium light suits it, and it takes 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). It is a slow grower that responds well to CO2 but does not require it.

Like a crypt, it can melt back after a move or when water chemistry shifts. Fresh leaves then push out from the surviving rhizome. To propagate it, cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, or split a large clump.

Good to know

Lagenandra thwaitesii is a close relative of Cryptocoryne and flowers through a similar spathe. Its new leaves unroll with both edges rolled inward, while a crypt leaf rolls one edge around the other. Its upright, lance-shaped leaves are dark green and edged in a thin silver rim. It grows from a thick creeping rhizome much like a crypt, and it can reach a good size over time.

In the wild

Lagenandra thwaitesii is an aroid endemic to Sri Lanka. It grows along shaded, fast-flowing streams, rooting in gravel and rock along the banks.

Common questions

Does Lagenandra thwaitesii 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 thwaitesii need CO2?

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

How much light does Lagenandra thwaitesii need?

Lagenandra thwaitesii wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Lagenandra thwaitesii need root tabs?

Yes. Lagenandra thwaitesii 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 Lagenandra thwaitesii?

Lagenandra thwaitesii propagates by rhizome division and division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece. Split a large clump into smaller ones and plant them separately.

How tall does Lagenandra thwaitesii grow?

Lagenandra thwaitesii grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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