Aponogeton boivinianus Bulb Pack

Aponogeton boivinianus is one of the largest and most robust Malagasy species, producing broad, heavily corrugated dark-green leaves with a distinctly rough, bullate surface texture that is immediately recognisable and highly sought after in the hobby. This bulb pack format provides excellent value for aquarists wanting to establish this impressive species from dormant corm stage.

Each bulb is a viable dormant corm. Plant halfway into a nutrient-rich substrate with the growing tip just above the surface. Warm, soft water is preferred, though A. boivinianus is more tolerant of modest hardness than some Malagasy species. The first corrugated leaves appear within 2–4 weeks of planting under appropriate conditions.

A. boivinianus can achieve leaves 40–70 cm long in a large aquarium, making it suitable only for tanks of 200 litres or more where its rosette can expand freely. It is a long-lived, vigorous species that rewards minimal intervention with maximum visual impact.

Light: Medium; consistent moderate light prevents dormancy and supports steady leaf production. CO2: Not required but beneficial; injection at 15–20 mg/l improves growth rate and leaf quality. Fertilisation: Rich substrate mandatory; root tabs every 6–8 weeks; liquid micronutrients weekly. Placement: Background of large aquariums (200 L+); allow 30 cm of open substrate around each bulb. Propagation: Prolific offset production after flowering; separate offsets when 2–3 cm in diameter.