Madagascar lace

[Guest]

I have tried twice with Mad. Lace plants. Both times, they grew tremendously at first, thrived for maybe 6-8 weeks tops. Then they began to grow smaller and smaller leaves, and completely died in a matter of another month or so. I'm certain they were dead, not just dormant, due to the fact that the bulb/root was a stinking disintegrating mess, not a firm fleshy bulb as I believe it would be if just dormant.

Has anyone succeeded with this plant? Any and all tips, tricks, opinions would be most welcome!

 

[TankGirl]

I have not kept this because my tanks are warm for them, as they like 68-72F for best results. It also prefers soft, acidic water. That is all I can tell you, but hopefully someone else will chime in!

 

[Allivymar]

I wonder if some nutrient is missing; sorta sounds like its using up its reserves and then keeling over when those nutrients are gone...

 

[Madame_X]

I bought three of these bulbs a few months ago with my plant order, and I"ve been afraid to try them!

If they do better at 68-72 degrees, my tanks are all much too warm as well. I'm curious to see how others have fared with this. Its such an interesting plant!

 

[Dino]

I do them at room temperature here.
The best luck I have had with them is when I place some type of in substrate fertilizer for them.
Once they have bloomed, I store them in the dark, in a bucket of water that barely covers the plants for about two months.
Once I bring them back out, I make sure they get plenty of ferts and light.
And I usually house them with ottos to keep the algae under control.
I have several bulbs that have gone thru this process twice now, and are doing great.

best,
dino

 

[betowess]

Is that room temperature in Tennesee, or The N. Pole? Just kidding...
Kasselman has quite a bit on this: low temperature level, strong water movement, soft, acid water, nutrient rich substrate, medium light intensity, and regular rest periods, no dry period. Water values: temp 18 to 26C ph 5 to 7.3 GH 1 to 8 dH (no algae...from Baensch) HTH

 

[Guest]

I think it's primarily been my temps. Grew them in my 90 gallon, temp 78-80. That must have been it.

I think my other tanks are too low light, so for now I'll pass on them. Thanks for all the info folks, perhaps one day I'll try again.