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Aponogeton madagascariensis Bulb (Lace plant)
Lace plant bulb — the skeleton-leaved wonder
- Regular price
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£8.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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£8.99
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Description
Aponogeton madagascariensis — the Madagascar lace plant — is one of the most extraordinary plants in the entire aquarium hobby. Its leaves have virtually no leaf tissue between the veins — only the vein lattice itself remains, creating a transparent skeleton-like leaf structure that is completely unique in the plant world. There is simply nothing else in an aquarium that looks like a fully grown lace plant.
It is more demanding than most Aponogeton species. It prefers cooler water (18–22°C), good oxygenation, a nutrient-rich substrate, and medium light. Like all Aponogeton it goes through dormancy cycles — leaves die back and the bulb rests before regrowing. Cooler water temperatures and good water flow are the most important factors for long-term success with this species.
Supplied as a dormant bulb. Plant in a nutrient-rich substrate leaving the top third exposed above the surface. Allow several weeks for growth to begin. The skeleton leaves that emerge are unlike anything else in the planted tank hobby and reward the care required with a display that is genuinely unique.
Our Delivery Promise To You
We pack every order carefully at our UK facility and dispatch quickly, so your plants and aquarium products reach you in the best possible condition.
Order before 4pm Monday to Friday and we’ll dispatch the same day where possible. Most orders arrive within 1-2 working days.
If something goes wrong in transit, get in touch and we’ll help put it right.




Customers praised this aquarium bulb for excellent growth rates and delicate, ornamental leaves. Many reported "saw growth within 2 days" and beautiful lacy foliage. However, some bulbs arrived hollow or failed to sprout. Most shoppers were pleased with fast delivery and packaging, though sizing inconsistency was noted.
- Great grower - plenty of leaves and even a stem with flowering bud
- Quick delivery. Saw growth within 2 days of planting. Would definitely buy again.
- Growing very well, a very delicate and ornamental plant
- 5 stars: 33 (70%)
- 4 stars: 8 (17%)
- 3 stars: 2 (4%)
- 2 stars: 1 (2%)
- 1 star: 3 (6%)
Excellent quality plant, growing well. Very happy
great roots nice size " bulb " even a couple of small leaves well pleased and looking forward to it growing in my aquarium
Plants arrived in good condition, Both plants had some leaf, now planted in aquarium, and waiting for new growth.
Very quick delivery, plants very nice, would definitely buy again.
Had only 2 leaves, one of them broke in transit and the other one broke in a couple of days in the fish tank...
Turned up with a few leaves which had broken off in transit but it soon sprouted be leaves and its growing really well
Came in great condition, even had a couple of leaves already! Its grown wonderfully over the past couple of weeks. Very pleased.
Quick delivery. Good bulb. Saw growth within 2 days of planting. Would definitely buy again.
Great grower - in a few months , plenty of leaves and even a stem with flowering bud drew to waters surface ....
Beautiful delicate leaves growing in one week after planting
Growing well, leaves already looking good.
Sadly both arrived feeling a bit hollow but placed in the tank anyway, after a week they rotted to very little. They arrived with other plants that are doing very well.
Arrived as a little buld a few weeks ago now a really great looking plant leaves are now aprox 6 inches + in lengh.
Unlike some of the other Aponogetons this has a small circa(3-4 cm oblong ) bulb . it arrived with some small shoots and after 2 weeks these have grown to about 4 cm long . I m really looking forward to seeing this develop to full size.
ordered two bulbs madagascariensis one bulb good size very happy with it . The second bulb was less than a quarter size of the first bulb .
The second actually looked to have been broken of the first . Matching marks on the two. Would have been happy if aqua essentials had owned up and said only 1 good bulb left and refunded for the second. The fist good sized bulb is showing roots . The tiny second bulb looks to have withered or started to rot.
Have since ordered two more bulbs from another supplier. both came similar sized to the first Aqua one and both have started to root.
First time a plant from a gas not worked. One of those things I guess but they are too expensive to fail!
Received what looked like a small piece of rhizome. Showed no signs of life after weeks.. binned it.
very nice plant growing very well
growing very well, a very delicate and ornamental plant
growing really well in my new tank although my little armoured catfish likes to move it around!
very good plant doing very well very pleased much bitter than one from ebay
So far, very pleased. The bulb came with two 'stalks', one of which had a small leaf. Six days later I have two leaves which are getting bigger every day and looking fit and healthy. I would recommend this plant .
Bit hard to judge as yet as these are bulbs ?Both are now showing some leaf growth in my aquarium so hopefully will turn into beautiful plants.
Only had the plants a couple of day's but very pleased with them.... well wrapped and prompt delivery...
This Bulb has now started growing it has 3 sets of leaves forming, I am sure it will now carry on growing.
Growing very quickly after 10 days looking dormant - now being nibbled by our Clown Loaches
All plants arrived as advertised safely in excellent condition
Bulb seems nice and healthy plenty of roots and one little leaf growing fingers crossed it wont take long to start growing in it\'s new home
I can\'t tell much about plant as been planted few days ago.But delivery was fast.Plant bulbs were very neatly packed and protected from drying out.Hope it will show it\'s beauty soon ;-)
Fast delivery, very pleased with bulb, growing fast , pleased I bought two re commened
Both plants growing well ,fast delivery,recommend
G h smith
Great service and very recommended. Bulbs arrived quickly and safely. Only very small leaf on one bulb and none on other. Once in aquarium both bulbs sprang into life and although a slow growing plant, each has several leaves already!
Received in very good condition. Has transformed the tank.
Very happy.
Common Questions
Why do the leaves look like skeletons?
The leaves have virtually no tissue between the veins — only the vein network remains, creating a transparent lattice structure unlike any other aquarium plant.
Is it difficult to keep?
More demanding than most Aponogetons. It prefers cooler water (18–22°C), good oxygenation, medium light, and a nutrient-rich substrate.
How do I plant the bulb?
Plant in substrate leaving the top third above the surface. Never bury it completely.
Will it go dormant?
Yes — all Aponogeton go through natural dormancy cycles where the leaves die back. Leave the bulb in place and it will regrow.
What temperature does it prefer?
It prefers cooler water at 18–22°C. Higher temperatures shorten leaf life. Good water oxygenation is equally important.

