Aponogeton madagascariensis

Grid plant ( Aponogeton madagascariensis ), illustration

The grid plant ( Aponogeton madagascariensis, Syn: Aponogeton fenestralis, Ouvirandra fenestralis ), also called Madagascar Wasserähre, is an amphibious plant from the family of water corn plants. This herbaceous perennial plant forms a large tuber. The leaves are ribbon-like and gridded and grow out of a rosette. The leaf surface is light to medium green. Your plant height is 30 to 50 centimeters; the plant forms a four-year, pink inflorescence. The plant has its natural habitat in Madagascar, which is also reflected in the botanical species name.

Varieties

Of Aponogetons madagasciariensis are three or more varieties:

• A. m. var madagascariensis is the nominate form with narrow leaves
• A. m. var guillotii
• A. m. var henkelianus has wide leaves and an irregular checker
• A. m. var major has wide leaves and a regular checker.

Use in the aquarium

As a whole range of water spikes is offered with several varieties in stores for planting aquarium also this species. Of particular interest is this plant because of its peculiar gridded sheets. However, this Wasserährenart is one of the most demanding aquarium plants, suitable only for experts. It requires, among other things, a rest period in which the tuber to regenerate. On not suitable water parameters they are very sensitive. After flowering, the plant dies most. Offspring from seeds have so far succeeded only a few times.

The light requirement of the plant is medium to high. It requires water temperatures between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius. It is suitable for planting in the aquarium of the central area and can also be used as a specimen plant. Due to the size of the aquarium, where it is maintained, should hold at least 200 gallons of water.