Aponogeton Ulvaceus

Aponogeton ulvaceus is a large plant from the rivers of Madagascar that grows from a tuber. Its leaves are broad, thin, translucent and light green; their edges are wavy and they twist slightly along their length. When light passes through the leaves, it creates a soft look reminiscent of sea lettuce (Ulva) in the water; the species name comes from this.

A single plant reaches 40–60 cm in height and a similar width. That is why it is considered a focal plant for aquariums of at least 150 liters and 50 cm in height.

• Bury the tuber lightly so that its top stays at the surface of the substrate.
• Leave at least 30 cm of open space around it.
• Place a root tab next to the roots; in the first weeks it grows on the nutrients stored in the tuber.

• Light: Medium.
• CO₂: Not required; with it the leaves are larger and more numerous.
• Fertilizer: A root tab once a month; with iron deficiency new leaves turn pale.
• Dormancy: After a few months of growth it may stop producing leaves and shed them. This is a natural period; leave the tuber in place, or take it out and keep it for a few weeks in a cool (20–22°C) aquarium.

The flower stalk rises above the water and forms a two-branched spike. If the flowers are pollinated (hand-pollinating with a soft brush helps), seeds form; seeds that fall into the water can germinate in the substrate. It does not multiply by plantlets in the aquarium; new plants are usually obtained from seed or by buying a new tuber.

• Tuber not sprouting after dormancy: check the tuber; if it is firm and sound, wait; if it is soft and smelly, it has rotted.
• Small, pale leaves: nutrient deficiency; replace the root tabs.
• Shading neighboring plants: cut old leaves in the outer ring off at the base.