Crinkled aponogeton (Aponogeton crispus) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Ruffled aponogeton, Ruffled sword plant, Wavy swordplant, Aponogeton crispus 'Red', Aponogeton echinatus
Family
Aponogetonaceae (cape-pondweed family)
Origin
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
22–30°C
pH
6–7
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium to bright light; CO2 helpful but not essential

Care

Aponogeton crispus is a bulb plant from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where it grows in seasonal ponds and some running waters and rests in the dry season. It is one of the most robust and widely grown Aponogetons, with light green to olive-brown, nearly translucent leaves 20–35 cm long with wavy edges. The true species never makes floating leaves. Use it as a midground or background specimen. The Aquarium Wiki gives up to 50 cm tall and 30 cm wide, and calls it easy and low-maintenance in a fertilised substrate. Give medium to bright light; CO2 helps. It flowers readily in good conditions. Many plants sold under this name are hybrids, often sterile; a red form, 'Red', has narrow maroon leaves. It may shed its leaves and can be rested in cooler water for about two months, so some keepers grow it in a removable pot. The Aquarium Wiki gives 22–30 °C and prefers acidic water; Wikipedia says it tolerates about 15–32 °C. In Sri Lanka it is protected and its export banned. Sources: The Aquarium Wiki (theaquariumwiki.com/wiki/Aponogetoncrispus); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aponogetoncrispus); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

By seed, which some plants set after self-pollination, or by splitting the rhizome. Many trade hybrids are sterile.

Compatibility and tank mates

Snails and plant-eating fish (goldfish, large cichlids, silver dollars) may damage the soft leaves. Best with peaceful tropical community fish that do not dig up the bulb.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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