Tell me about Madagascar Lace

[Zaffy]

I got Cs in my botany classes. So help me out here.

I've got a Madagascar Lace that seemed to do fine for a while but then fell apart. It's been two 3x1 inch leaves for about a 2 months now. It did sprout a flower around 3 months ago.

The tank is 20g with a 15w fluorescent. No CO2. I've put some fertilizer tablets in the gravel. It's got 4 chunks of java fern that are going nuts. A 5" Anubias nana that seems to be fine. Last week I took the fish out and traded them in, so right now it's only stocked with a group of ghost shrimp, ottos, and a betta.

pH is 7.5
Ammonia/Nitrite 0
Nitrate .25
The water is pretty hard, it's off the chart. Thanks to Los Angeles water supply. I never have used any softeners.

I did have diatoms come back briefly, but I replaced the fluorescent bulb and they retreated.

I've been led to believe that the 15w and no CO2 is sufficient to grow a healthy Madagascar Lace, is it true? and if so, any ideas on why mine isn't doing so well.

 

[KarlTh]

This plant needs rest periods. If it's starting to drop leaves, try removing it, packing it in damp newspaper and leaving it in a cool dark place for a couple of months. Then replant the corm.

 

[jamesstill84]

That's pretty strange. I've never heard of having to do that with a plant. If it needs that, then maybe I won't get one.

 

[247Plants]

You probably dont have enough light to sustain it. .75 watts per gallon on a 20 gallon tank is EXTREMELY low. Stick to anubias and java ferns.

 

[tanker]

Karl and 247 are both right. You need a litttle more light for a lace plant, and all Apono Plants (the Lace plant is in the Apono Family) need a rest period.

 

[dundadundun]

it's been said that it needs a rest. it's been said it needs decent light as the leaves don't have the surface area of other apons. it's also been said that the "flowers" are the mark of the end of it's season. the flowers are actually seed stems. some say that trimming the stalks that reach for the top before they get there keeps an apon going.

i don't have a lace, but do have apons and was wondering if this is a myth. it seems to work for me and it might help here too.

 

[Zaffy]

Karl and 247 are both right. You need a litttle more light for a lace plant, and all Apono Plants (the Lace plant is in the Apono Family) need a rest period.

How much light is needed?

Also, thanks everyone for your replies.