Why are the leaves on my Madagascar Lace Plant turning brown and dying?

This is often a sign of the plant entering its natural dormancy period, which it does periodically to rest. If the water conditions are correct and the bulb is firm, leave it alone; the leaves will grow back after a few months of rest.

Do I need to inject CO2 to grow the Madagascar Lace Plant?

While it can survive without it in ideal conditions, injecting CO2 is highly recommended. It significantly increases the growth rate, overall size, and vibrancy of the leaves, making success much more likely.

How do I deal with algae growing on the lace leaves?

Algae can quickly suffocate this plant by blocking light. Increase water flow around the plant to prevent detritus settling, reduce lighting duration slightly, and introduce gentle algae eaters like Amano Shrimp or Otocinclus.

How deep should I plant the bulb?

The bulb should never be completely buried. Plant it so that the bottom half is in the nutrient-rich substrate while the top half, where the crown sprouts, remains exposed to the water column to prevent rotting.

Can I keep this plant in a tropical discus or cichlid tank?

No. Discus tanks are kept at high temperatures (28°C+), which will quickly cause the Lace Plant to melt and die. Cichlids are also likely to dig up the bulb or shred the delicate leaves.

FreshwaterPlantsAdvanced

Madagascar Lace Plant

Aponogeton madagascariensis

The Madagascar Lace Plant is a highly sought-after, distinctive aquatic species renowned for its intricate, skeletonised leaves.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 15 – 24 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 30 – 60 cm
Standard 100L: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 2 – 5 years
Diet: Autotrophic
Water flow: Moderate to Strong
Preferred setup: Nutrient-rich substrate with good water circulation; do not bury the bulb completely.

About the Madagascar Lace Plant

Aponogeton madagascariensis is instantly recognisable by its broad, fenestrated leaves that lack the tissue between the veins, creating a delicate lattice effect. Native to the fast-flowing streams of Madagascar, this striking bulb plant is often considered the crown jewel of a planted aquarium. It has a reputation for being demanding, primarily because of its specific temperature requirements and its natural dormancy cycle. Despite the challenges, successfully cultivating a thriving lace plant is a major milestone for dedicated aquarists.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Madagascar Lace Plant comes from

Native range

Madagascar, Africa

Countries / regions

Madagascar

Habitat

Fast-flowing, shaded forest streams and rivers with rocky or sandy substrates.

Native ranges are restricted to specific river systems in Madagascar, and the plant is threatened in the wild by habitat destruction.

Similar species

Aponogeton ulvaceus
Aponogeton ulvaceus
Aponogeton boivinianus
Aponogeton boivinianus
Crinum calamistratum
Crinum calamistratum

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Peaceful, small, and thrives in the cooler water temperatures that the Madagascar Lace Plant prefers.
Great
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Excellent algae eaters that will delicately clean the intricate leaf lattice without damaging the plant tissue.
Great
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
Gentle herbivores that effectively graze on surface algae while remaining small enough not to break the fragile leaves.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
While generally plant-safe, their scraping feeding habits and larger size can inadvertently tear the delicate, fenestrated foliage.
Compatible with caution
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Voracious herbivores that will quickly consume the leaves of the lace plant.
Not recommended
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Despite matching the cooler temperature requirements, goldfish are notorious for uprooting and eating aquatic plants.
Not recommended

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