Madagascar lace plant

Quick facts

Max height

60 cm

Growth rate

moderate

Difficulty

advanced

Placement

background

Propagation

rhizome division

Water parameters

Temperature

18–25°C

pH

6.0 to 7.5

Hardness

2 to 15 dGH

Cold water

tolerated (unheated setups)

Light and nutrients

Lighting

medium

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

nutrient rich

Feeding

feeds from both water column and roots (liquid ferts plus root tabs)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

safe with plant-eating fish (tough leaves or unpalatable)

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

may get uprooted by active diggers

Root-disturbing fish

tolerates fish that disturb roots

Habitat

Native to Madagascar, growing in fast-flowing streams and rivers. The species (Aponogeton madagascariensis) is one of the most visually striking aquarium plants: the leaves are composed entirely of a lattice-like network of veins with no tissue between them, creating a lace or skeleton-leaf appearance. This fenestrated (windowed) leaf structure is unique among aquarium plants and makes the Madagascar lace plant instantly recognizable. Leaves can reach 20–40 cm long and 5–10 cm wide. The plant grows from a bulb. Wild populations in Madagascar are threatened by habitat loss. The species has a reputation as one of the most difficult common aquarium plants. Several Aponogeton species produce fenestrated (lace-like) leaves, but A. madagascariensis is the most dramatically skeletonized. The plant grows from a starchy bulb that stores energy during dormancy periods. Wild specimens are becoming increasingly rare as Madagascar's freshwater habitats face deforestation, siltation, and agricultural encroachment. Most aquarium specimens are commercially propagated from bulbs.

Care notes

Considered one of the more challenging aquarium plants due to specific requirements for water quality and flow. The lace structure means the leaves have enormous surface area relative to their mass, making them vulnerable to algae colonization and detritus accumulation. Strong water circulation is essential to keep the lattice clean. Temperature should be moderate to cool (18–24°C); the plant often declines in warm tropical tanks above 25°C. Moderate light is ideal; high light promotes algae on the lace structure. CO2 is beneficial but not required. Rich substrate with root tabs supports the bulb. The plant benefits from a rest period: after months of growth, it may die back to the bulb. Some keepers remove the bulb and refrigerate it for 4-8 weeks in damp sphagnum moss, then replant. Clean water with low organic load is important because detritus clogging the leaf lattice blocks light and promotes decay. Weekly water changes of 30-50% help. Despite the difficulty reputation, the lace plant grows successfully in many well-maintained tanks. The key factors are moderate temperature, clean water, good flow, and adequate root nutrition. Not recommended for beginners, but a rewarding challenge for experienced keepers.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean