Lagenandra ovata

Lagenandra ovata is native to Sri Lanka and South India, where it grows in shaded rivers and coastal wetlands, often with its leaves partially emergent. In the aquarium it develops into a large, imposing rosette of broad, oval dark green leaves that can reach 50 cm in height when mature, making it one of the largest aroid plants commonly available for planted tanks. Closely related to Cryptocoryne, it shares similar care requirements and is highly adaptable, tolerating hard and soft water and low to moderate light.

Light: Low to medium; tolerates very low light with reduced growth rate. CO2: Not required; optional supplementation promotes larger, lusher leaves. Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs every 3 months; heavy root feeder. Planting: Expose rhizome crown; allow 20–25 cm radius — this plant gets large. Growth: Slow to moderate; best in tanks of 150 L or more to accommodate full size.