Aponogeton Madagascariensis (Madagascar Lace)

Leaves with the tissue missing. Aponogeton madagascariensis grows foliage that is pure lattice — a skeleton of veins with open holes where leaf blade would normally be. No other aquarium plant looks remotely like it. It is also genuinely demanding: cool, clean, moving water, and patience.

What You'll Receive

• Sold as Bare-root Plants, Sprouts Bulb With Leaf, or Bulb Without Leaf:
• Bare-root Plants: A healthy loose specimen without bulb
• Sprouted Bulb with Leaf: A healthy bulb with at least two lace leaf already growing
• Bulb Only (No Leaf): A firm, viable bulb without current foliage (ideal for patient aquarists)

Plant Profile

• Common name — Madagascar Lace Plant
• Scientific name — Aponogeton madagascariensis
• Origin — Slow rivers and lakes of Madagascar
• Plant type — Bulb / tuber
• Placement — Background or centerpiece
• Mature height — 10–16 in
• Growth rate — Medium

Care

• Difficulty — Advanced
• Light — Medium to high, but indirect. Harsh light burns the open leaf structure
• CO₂ — Recommended
• Water — 68–75°F · pH 6.0–7.0. The temperature ceiling is the strictest of any plant we sell
• Flow — Gentle to moderate, well oxygenated. Stagnant water rots the bulb
• Substrate — Required. Root feeder — nutrient substrate or root tabs
• Growth habit — True aquatic. Does not grow emersed
• Propagation — Bulb offsets

Grower’s Notes

• Temperature is what kills it. Above about 75°F the lace plant declines regardless of everything else. In a standard tropical community tank at 78–82°F it will not survive long — this plant needs a cool, well-oxygenated tank of its own terms.
• Clean water matters more than fertilizer. The open leaf structure traps detritus and grows algae easily; steady flow and regular water changes keep it clear.
• Expect a dormancy. Lace plants often drop all their leaves and rest for weeks or months. Leave the bulb in place — it usually restarts.
• Press the bulb only partly into the substrate; fully buried bulbs rot.
• Buy the sprouted bulb if you want certainty. A bare bulb is cheaper but asks for patience with no guarantee.

Want to go deeper? Read our complete Aponogeton Care Guide.

Notes

• This is a sensitive and specialty plant not suited for beginners. Water quality, cool temperature, and stable parameters are key to long-term success. Bulbs may take time to adjust after shipping — please plant with care and patience.
• Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.

At a glance

• Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
• Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
• Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
• USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
• UPS 2nd Day Air® ships Monday through Wednesday. Order by Tuesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• UPS Next Day Air® ships Monday through Thursday. Order by Wednesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and military addresses ship by USPS at a flat rate shown at checkout.
• Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
• We ship within the United States only.

Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.

The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.

How it works

• Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
• Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
• We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.

Good to know

• Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
• Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
• Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.

The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.