R.A.S. Fins & Friends

APONOGETON CRISPUS

By Twyla Lindstrom-Peters

The Aponogeton Crispus, or ruffled sword plant is native to central Sri-Lanka.  It grows in clear 20-100cm deep, still or running water.   It is quite hardy and fast growing.  It tolerates a wide range of light, water conditions and growing media.  It withstands catfish scurrying, small fish nibbling and snail infestations.  It is also unusual in that it will grow almost continuously without the characteristic rest period of other aponogeton species.

It has a fibrous, cylindrical rhizome(up to 20cm in diameter).  The leaves are brittle looking, long, narrow lance shaped with a ruffled outer margin.  Leaves are dark green to reddish brown.  It doesn't develop floating leaves and maximum size is about 25cm.  It can be rooted in gravel or potted with sterile potting soil.

Propagation of this aponogeton is usually by seed, however I have had mine split at the rhizome.  The flower stalk starts out conical in appearance on a slender stem.  It grows quickly and emerges from the water.  It blooms from the base to the tip over a few days, shedding a thin dry film as it opens.  The long(about 30+cm)vertical inflorescence consists of a thin stalk covered on the distal 8-16cm with numerous tiny white or pink flowers.  It has a nice, sweet chamomile-like scent.

The flower lasts between one and two weeks.  Seed pods form along the stalk following pollination.(A feather brushed along the flower on several different days may achieve pollination.)  Germination can be achieved by placing seeds in a 4 - 6 cm shallow tray and covering seeds with water (room temp.).  Seeds should germinate anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.  Two tiny leaves will emerge first, followed by roots.  When roots are a little developed, young plants can be transferred to another tray with a bed of sterile peat moss covered with a few inches of water.

A. Crispus is a heavy feeder and thrives in a "well established" tank.   Temperatures should be between 20-30 degrees C.

It is readily available in shops at reasonable prices.  It is often hybridized with other species such as A. Undulatus and marketed as A. Crispus.  Hybrids are often sterile but can still be very attractive plants.