Madagascar Lace Plant

This unmistakable ornate bulb plant is easy to identify from its lacy leaves that lack the tissue surrounding the veins. In the wild, it is found amongst fast flowing clear streams that are partially shaded from direct sunlight. It is an extremely demanding plant and is best grown in a dedicated aquarium where water quality is extremely high, crystal clear, and the tank given frequent water changes. Good filtration and decent was flow is a must. Any debris or algae will quickly clog the intricate leaves and cause it to deteriorate rapidly. An iron-rich substrate and soft, slightly acidic water are also essential. Lighting should be bright enough to encourage growth, but not so bright as to encourage algae; finding the balance can be tricky and some form of indirect lighting is usually best (utilising small floating plants in the same aquarium for example). If purchased as a bulb, A. madagascariensis may take up to a year to begin sprouting leaves; for this reason many prefer to purchase their plants grown in pots so that they have a ready established root system. However, even established specimens can take some time adjusting to new environmental conditions. The plant quite often grows in a prostrate manner in the water, but can be trained to grow more upright by using twine to tie and gently bend the main stems towards the water's surface. Opinions do vary, but many believe that this plant needs to be put through a dormancy period to keep it healthy. To this end, some aquarists will place the tuber into a bag filled with moist (not wet) peat for a 3-6 months, and believe that the plant then comes back with renewed vigour. Others will state that if the plant is maintained throughout the year at a cooler temperature in the aquarium, it will not require a dormancy period. If the plant reaches the surface, it may produce a lengthy pink-purple flower. Propagation is by splitting the rhizome or from germinating the seeds.