Madagascar laceleaf (Aponogeton madagascariensis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Lace plant, Lattice leaf, Aponogeton fenestralis, Aponogeton henkelianus, Aponogeton guillotii, Ouvirandra fenestralis
Family
Aponogetonaceae (cape-pondweed family)
Origin
Madagascar
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
65 cm
Temperature
15–26°C
pH
5–7.5
Hardness
Soft: 1–6 dGH (estimate)
Care level
expert
Lighting
Medium light; low CO2 (Tropica); CO2 helps against algae
Flow
Good flow and strong filtration recommended

Care

The Madagascar lace plant is famous for its oblong leaves made of a lattice of veins with no tissue between them, spreading just beneath the surface. It grows in Madagascar from a tuber about 3 cm across, with leaf blades 15–55 cm long and flower spikes up to 1 m. Several forms exist, some large and some much smaller, differing in leaf width and structure. Tropica rates it medium difficulty with medium light and low CO2, but notes it is demanding about water quality and substrate, and recommends it only as a solitary plant in large, specialised tanks with frequent water changes. Plant the bulb partly in the substrate with the sprout tip at the surface; root fertiliser capsules noticeably boost growth. Wikipedia gives 15–26 °C and pH 5–7.5. It warns that the bright light it needs encourages algae on the leaves, that imported bulbs often thrive in the first year and fail in the second, and that seeds often fail. Strong water movement and good filtration are often recommended. Over-collection once brought it close to extinction in the wild, so buy cultivated stock. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aponogetonmadagascariensis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Seed often fails to germinate; mature tubers sometimes divide. Mostly bought as imported or cultivated bulbs.

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. Snails, algae and fish that pick at leaves quickly spoil the lace. Best as a specimen in a large, clean tank.

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

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