Aponogeton madagascariensis

[Ed Dumas <eldumas at telus_net>]

Hello all,

I have been in lurking mode for some time, but I have been reading with
interest. Now I think I have a question for you all. I have a nice
Aponogeton madagascariensis which has been steadily growing and is now
putting out leaves about 10" long and 4" wide. It recently put out a
flower stock, and the flower has opened which has allowed me, according
to the archives, to identify the type of lace plant as Aponogeton
madagascariensis.

I learned some very interesting things in the archives, such as the
plant being self-fertilizing, and (hopefully) being able to reproduce
through seeds. I also learned that lace plants are very heavy feeders,
and most folks seem to suggest they feed at least some through the
roots. I also learned in the archives that the plant likes to share root
space with Crypts., which just about blew me away because that is
exactly what I have, mostly by accident!

What I could not find in the archives, was any kind of explanation for
that preference of sharing space with Crypts. I was wondering if it is
something like garden peas. I understand that garden peas have a
bacteria on their roots which deposits nitrogen into the soil, and
thereby feeds the peas in a sort of symbiotic relationship. Not being a
botanist, I hope I have not screwed that up too badly.

Is it possible that there is something like this happening with Crypts
and lace plants, and that since the lace plants seem to be heavy root
feeders, they require this relationship to grow and flourish?

Any comments from the specialists out there?

Ed Dumas