Aponogeton Purple Care Guide
1. Appearance
- Features long, wavy leaves that may exhibit green, reddish, or purplish hues, depending on light and nutrients.
- Often sold as a bulb that will sprout and develop leaves over time.
2. Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) or larger for full growth.
- Lighting: Medium to high lighting enhances purple or reddish hues.
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate like aquasoil, though can also grow in sand or gravel with root tabs.
- Water Flow: Moderate flow preferred for healthy growth.
3. Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- CO2: Not required but enhances growth and coloration.
4. Fertilization & Nutrients
- Iron supplementation helps develop reddish or purplish hues.
- Liquid fertilizers with trace elements improve leaf coloration.
- Root tabs are beneficial since Aponogetons are root feeders.
5. Growth & Maintenance
- Aponogetons grow fast and can develop large leaves quickly.
- They may have a dormancy period where they stop growing for a few weeks—during this time, reduce fertilization and wait for regrowth.
- Trim old or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
6. Propagation
- Primarily grown from bulbs that sprout new shoots.
- Some species produce seeds or offsets, but most aquarists propagate them by dividing bulbs.
