Aponogeton

Family Aponogetonaceae. One of the best deep-water plants.

The genus comprises about 25 species native to the tropics of Africa, Asia and northern Australia and to the subtropics of southern Africa. Perennials with thick tuberous rhizomes. Leaves are oblong on long petioles. Inflorescences on long stalks are borne above the water surface. The number of perianth segments ranges from 1 to 3; they are often white, pink or yellowish.

Care: when cold weather begins, the tubers of A. dvukholoskovogo are placed in a box with damp sand and stored in a cellar at a temperature not below 5 °C. They can be moved to a pond in a winter garden to continue flowering and then rested later for 2–4 months. Aquarium species are recommended to be kept in a winter garden with a water temperature not below 20 °C during the growing season. During dormancy, when they slow their growth and begin to shed leaves, the temperature is lowered to 10–12 °C. If A. dvukholoskovogo is left in a pond for the winter, the pond must be deep enough so that the tubers remain in unfrozen substrate beneath the ice.

Propagation: by rooting side shoots, dividing clumps at the end of spring, or sowing fresh seeds under glass. Self-seeding is possible.