Common Name: Aponogeton Henkelianus
The Aponogeton Henkelianus is the close relative of a similar species, the Aponogeton Madagascariensis. Both plants come from Madagascar. Henkelianus is found in fast-flowing water, and features lacy, broad leaves, with swallow-tailed white or yellowish flowers. These flowers self-pollinate and allow the plant to propagate through seeds.
Interestingly, the species prefers a substrate low in organic matter. Rich substrates will actually harm the plant: dark brown dead spots on leaves are an indication that the substrate has too many nutrients. Further, Henkelianus grows best in the presence of the roots of nearby “companion” plants, such as the smaller Cryptocoryne species. This companion plant should be planted first.
The bulb of the Henkelianus should be only partially buried. And, the plant is especially sensitive to a lack of soluble iron in the water. The plant’s seeds are released with a waterproof that lets them float for 1-2 days before sinking to the bottom and getting rooted. They prefer muddy sand, and if they have the proper conditions, they should reach a size with leaves of 4” in length, and bulbs over .39” in diameter, at which point the plants can be transplanted.
In an aquarium, this species works best in the background or midground, due to its large, lacy leaves.
Notes:
Family Name: Aponogetonaceae
Origin: Madagascar
Height: 12” – 24”+
pH: 4.5 – 6.5
Care: Difficult
Light: Low to High
Co2: Medium
Propagation: Seeds. Self-pollinated
Growth Rate: Fast
You are purchasing a bulb that may or may not have sprouted leaves yet
Overall rating: 4.3157897 / 5 from 19 reviews.
Review topics: ["plants","leaves","bulb","melt"].
"Arrived healthy with long roots and leaves. Minor melting due to shipping through Vegas summer. After a a few days it's already anchored it's self and growing new leaves. Awesome."
"This is a delicate plant, so I am not surprise the green growth had all melted by the time it arrived. The bulb looks firm and healthy, so it is just a matter of waiting for it to regrow."
"Came a little melted"
"Plants that arrived a little wilted but the bulbs were in great shape. After trimming off these leaves and placing in the tank, several leaves have emerged and it is doing great. My favorite aquarium plant! So gorgeous!!"
"Arrived with all leaves, seems very healthy"
"The plants arrived in beautiful condition. But I did not expect so many crypts in each pot."
"I’ve only seen this plant offered at one of the other 4 sites I use and it is rarely in stock so I was happy to find it. I like the similar but narrower leaf structure to Madagascar lace. There were a couple of browning leaves but also a very nice newer white root popping out."
"So disappointed that the two plants I ordered arrived half brown, dead and melted…I never had this experience before from Buce. 😞"
"Arrived in rough shape with leaves completely brown and falling apart. The roots were about six inches long so I decided to give it a chance. After planting for a few weeks I can see new leaves sprouting from the bulb so it looks like it will make it."
"Just from the price I assumed I’d be getting just a starter bulb, but it came shipped with 4 fully developed leaves already! I was so surprised. They melted away almost immediately but two new leaves came just as fast."
