Aponogeton longiplumulosus
Long-plumed Aponogeton
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Phylum:Tracheophytes
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Alismatales
Family:Aponogetonaceae
Genus:Aponogeton
Species:longiplumulosus
IUCN Status:Vulnerable
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Medium
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
20°C - 26°C
pH Level
6 - 8
Water Hardness
36 - 215 ppm
Growth
Moderate
Lighting
Low - Medium
Max Height
30-60 cm
Placement
Background
CO2 Requirements
None
Water Flow
Low Flow
Aquarium Building Information
Max Height
30-60 cm
Placement
Background
Lighting
Low - Medium
Growth
Moderate
CO2 Requirements
None
Water Flow
Low Flow
Substrate
Sand
Gravel
Soil
Attachment Method
substrate
Oxygen Production
Medium
Waste reduction
Medium
About This Species
Basic Description
The Long-plumed Aponogeton is a large, attractive plant known for its long, wavy-edged leaves, which create a beautiful, dynamic texture in an aquarium. It's a great choice for adding height and a sense of depth to the back of your tank. While it's relatively adaptable to different water conditions, it is considered moderately difficult to care for primarily because it has a natural resting phase. During this dormancy period, the plant may lose all its leaves and appear to have died. However, this is a normal part of its life cycle. The underground bulb is still alive and will sprout new leaves after a few weeks or months. To plant it, gently push the bulb into your sand or gravel, but make sure the top part, where the leaves grow from, remains uncovered to prevent it from rotting. It is a fantastic plant for aquariums without extra CO2 injection or intense lighting. Originating from Madagascar, this species is considered vulnerable in the wild, so it's important to purchase plants that have been grown in nurseries rather than collected from their natural habitat. Its large size provides excellent shelter for shy fish or shrimp.
Detailed Description
Aponogeton longiplumulosus is a highly prized rosette plant that grows from a tuberous bulb. Its most defining characteristic is its long, lance-shaped, olive-green to dark-green leaves that feature profoundly undulate or 'wavy' margins. These leaves can create a stunning visual centerpiece as they sway gently in the current. Its 'medium' difficulty rating is almost entirely due to its natural dormancy cycle. In its native Madagascan habitat, it undergoes a resting period triggered by seasonal changes. In a stable aquarium environment, this dormancy can be unpredictable, but it is a natural and healthy part of the plant's life. When dormancy begins, leaf growth will halt, and existing leaves may begin to decay. Aquarists should not panic and discard the bulb. The bulb can be left in the substrate to recover on its own, or for a more controlled approach, it can be removed and stored in cool, damp sand for 2-3 months before replanting. This plant is a heavy root feeder. While it can survive in plain gravel, it thrives when provided with a nutrient-rich substrate or the regular addition of root fertilization tabs. Liquid fertilizers are beneficial but secondary to root nutrition. A healthy, mature plant will often flower, sending a long stalk to the surface. The name 'longiplumulosus' (long-plumed) refers to its distinctive, forked, purplish flower spike, which is often fragrant. This flowering is a clear indicator of a thriving plant. Due to its preference for low water flow and its large but delicate leaves, it should be placed away from strong filter outputs and housed with peaceful fish that will not damage it. Its Vulnerable (VU) conservation status makes responsible sourcing a critical consideration for conscientious hobbyists.
Scientific Description
Aponogeton longiplumulosus is a perennial, bulbous, aquatic monocot from the Aponogetonaceae family, endemic to northwestern Madagascar. Its etymology derives from its morphology: 'longus' (long) and 'plumula' (small feather), describing its characteristic inflorescence. The plant grows from an oblong or conical tuberous rhizome, approximately 2-3 cm in diameter. The submerged leaves are petiolate, arranged in a basal rosette. The lamina is linear-lanceolate, reaching lengths of up to 60 cm and a width of 8 cm. The leaf margins are distinctly and densely undulate, and the texture is firm. The inflorescence is a key identifying feature. It is borne on a long peduncle that emerges above the water surface. The spathe is caducous. The spike is typically bifid (forked), though occasionally simple or trifid, and is densely covered with bisexual flowers. Flowers possess two obovate tepals, typically lilac to purplish-pink in color, six stamens, and three (occasionally four) carpels which develop into follicles. Reproduction occurs sexually via seed production, which requires cross-pollination between two different flower spikes, and asexually through the development of the tuber. The plant's life cycle includes a necessary dormancy period, a biological adaptation to the seasonal hydrological changes in its native riverine habitats. In aquaria, this period may be triggered by environmental stressors or occur spontaneously. While its CO2 requirement is listed as 'none,' it possesses efficient carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to thrive in low-carbon environments. Its classification as a 'medium' nutrient absorber is indicative of its significant root-feeding behavior, where it sequesters nitrogenous compounds and phosphates directly from the substrate, contributing to overall bioload reduction and water column stability. The IUCN has classified A. longiplumulosus as Vulnerable (VU) due to habitat degradation from agriculture and deforestation in its limited native range.
