Question about Aponogeton

[Wolf_Mek]

Hey all,

I have an Aponogeton natans that is reproducing vegetatively and I was wondering if this was abnormal or anything like that.

What it does is send off something that looks like a flower stalk except little plantlets form on it instead of flowers.

[Howie_W]

Hi Becky :wave:

How's it going? If your plant is flowering, not only is that normal, it's excellent. There are many varieties of similar looking aponogetons that come form different parts of the world, and that aren't always easy to discern between.

What your describing sounds like seedlets. The plant reproduces as these float free, and make their way to the substrate. If you can avoid removing them all during cleaning time, you will (hopefully) begin germinating new plants.


Howie

[Wolf_Mek]

No, they actually have leaves, what look like little bulbs, and eventually sprout roots :). I have a couple small ones in the 75g, but the roots are the only things that grow, the leaves haven't taken off yet.

[Howie_W]

Okay...that makes sense... :)

To me that indicates a healthy expanding root system...common to bulb based plants.


Howie

[Wolf_Mek]

Hmm, maybe a couple pics will help.

Highlited in red in the parent plant, in blue, the babies.

[Wolf_Mek]

just the babies

[Howie_W]

Looks like they're doing their thing.

Here's an article on aponogetons you might find helpful;

http://www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com/Articles/The_Genus_Aponogeton.html



Howie

[ChloroPhil]

PumaWard,

It looks completely natural to me, many plants reproduce that way.

Best,
Phil

[Wolf_Mek]

Thanks Howie and Phil!

I've never had an aponogeton reproduce before, so it's cool :).