Lagenandra ovata plant can grow both emersed and submersed. They reproduce by rhizome. This is an easy plant to keep and this beginner’s guide will provide all the information regarding this plant
Lagenandra ovata plant
Common Name | They are commonly called Malayan swords. They are also called Arum ovatum. |
Color | The leaves of this plant are glossy and bright green in color. They are paler on the underside. |
Habitat/Origin | The origin of this plant in Sri Lanka. |
Average Size | This plant grows to a maximum size of 30-90 cm in the tank. |
Growth Rate | The growth rate is medium. Under proper lighting and Co2 they can grow a little faster. |
Placement | The plant can be placed in the background of the tank. This is because the leaves grow tall. |
Maintenance | The leaves grow tall hence they should be trimmed. |
Planting Methods | The rhizome of the plant should not be completely buried in the substrate. |
Ideal Setup | The plant requires a fine gravel substrate. The optimum temperature should be 22-26 degrees C. |
Care Level | The care level of the plant is medium. |
Supplements | The substrate should be rich. An additional supplement is not much required. Sometimes commercial plant food can be given if the plant shows signs of a lack of nutrients. Co2 injection can boost plant growth. But this is not mandatory. |
Lighting | The plant when grown emersed will require 12 hours of lighting per day. However, in the submerged state, they require low lighting. |
Water temperature | The plant requires a temperature between 10 – 27 degrees C(50 – 81 degrees F) the pH and hardness level are not critical. |
Propogation | One way of propagation is by the seeds that are formed by the flowers on the plant. Another way is by snipping off and planting the adventitious plant that forms along the inflorescence in warm and humid conditions. |
Approx. Cost | The cost of this plant is approximate $7 to $10. They are 5 to 7 Euro in European countries. However, in Asian countries like India, they cost Rs. 85 to 100 per piece |
Common Diseases | An insect bite is common for this plant. But they can be washed off. The leaves sometimes turn transparent due to a lack of nutrients. Adding commercial food to the plant restore the lack. |
What to look for when buying | If the tank is smaller look for smaller forms of this plant-like Ovalis. Other types are Marble Queen and Fluitans which can be grown in larger tanks or ponds. |
Related Specifies | Lagenandra bogneri,Lagenandra dewitii,Lagenandra erosa,Lagenandra gomezii,Lagenandra jacobseni |
FAQs | – |
Lagenandra ovata plant gallery
References
- Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- Bastmeijer, Jan D. “Lagenandra gallery”.