Family: Aponogetonaceae
Continent: Africa
Region: Africa
Country of origin: Madagascar
Height 12-20"+
Width: 12-14"
Light requirements: medium-very high
Temperature: 68-80°F
Hardness tolerance: very soft-hard
pH tolerance: 5.5-8
Growth: fast
Demands: medium

Aponogeton ulvaceus is one of the most beautiful species in the Aponogeton family. The leaves are delicate light-green and transparent, and have a beautiful fluted margin. A single root can produce more than 40 leaves. This means that the plant is best as a solitary plant in large aquariums. It is relatively tolerant, and thrives in both soft and hard water, particularly if CO2 is added. There are many varieties of Aponogeton ulvaceus, some of which need a dormant period when the root does not produce leaves.

This plant grows well with lighting just under 2 watts per gallon. Seems to do better when I use root tab fertilize near this plant.

This plant has been growing in the tank for about 2 1/2 years. The last 1/2 of a year I have noticed that the plants leaves have gotten smaller, fewer, and grows a lot slower. I've read that for the dormant period you should remove the plant and place it into the refrigerator for 3 months, then replant in the tank. I do not want to have to take the plant out of the tank once a year with the large root system it makes. Someone on a forum said to just leave it in the tank, and it should start to grow again after resting for a while. I guess I'll find out.

This is what my plant looks like now. I bumped it when gravel vacuuming my tank and noticed that all the roots were gone and it was just the bulb. I decided to take the plant out and place it in the refrigerator since it has looked like this for about 5 or so months. So in the beginning of July, if all goes well in the refrigerator, I will place it in the tank again.