Description
This decorative Lagenandra is delivered from the Netherlands as Lagenandra sp. 'Green'. We have identified it as Lagenandra nairii, native to Kerala in southwestern India. This species occurs along rivers where it may also grow fully submerged during the rainy season. Lagenandra nairii is rather rarely available in trade. Its sturdy leaves are ovate, slightly heart-shaped with a blade up to about 7 cm long. The leaf edge is wavy and ruffled. The leaf stalks are coated with short hairs. The overall habit of the plant resembles a larger Cryptocoryne. The delivered emersed plants are about 6 to 12 cm high. The inflorescence has a red-brown spathe blade that is strikingly bent sidewards.
Although Lagenandra species are swamp plants in the first place, they are also able to grow under water. As aquarium plants, Lagenandras prefer a nutrient-rich substrate and not too low lighting. The temperatures should lie above 22℃, optimally 24-26℃. With time, Lagenandras form a stout creeping rhizome. They can be propagated by cutting off daughter rosettes or rhizome splitting. Lagenandra nairii is the only Lagenandra that also develops undergrund runners like a Cryptocoryne.
Lagenandra nairii is well suited as a green, quite broad-leaved accent plant or small group in the midground. It contrasts well with plants of other texture and coloration. As emersed plant, this tropical aroid should also be interesting for paludariums with high humidity where one may expect its interestingly shaped inflorescences.
Characteristic
Also labeled as Lagenandra sp. "Green"
Resembling a Cryptocoryne
Medium green leaves with ruffled edge
Solitary or group plant in the midground
Category
Middle Ground
