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Aponogeton crispus is among the most
valuable and beautiful aquarium plants. It has translucently bright to dark
green leaves which reach a length of 30 cm. The blade is gently crispate -
hence the scientific name crispus - and is carried on a 30-cm long
petiole. Aponogeton crispus prefers a nutrient rich substrate with
clay and it adapts quite easily to the environment in most aquaria. The
inflorescence is an emergent spike with white or cream coloured flowers which
can be artificially pollinated with a fine brush. Alternatively, Aponogeton
crispus can be reproduced by dividing the tuberous rootstock.
In Nature the plant primarily grows in temporal ponds which dry out during
the dry season and during this period the Aponogeton crispus lies
dormant. However, the plant does not require such a dormancy period in the
aquarium.
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