Also known as Floating Lace Plant · Floating Laceplant · Floating-Leaf Aponogeton
Drifting Sword Plant (Aponogeton natans) is a submerged aquatic plant with lance-shaped leaves and delicate flower spikes that emerge above the water.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
moderate to high
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight may cause overheating.
consistently moist
75% intensity
Maintain substrate moisture; for submerged forms, keep roots submerged.
Muddy substrate
50% intensity
moderate
50% intensity
Ideal temperatures range from 20-26°C. Avoid sudden fluctuations.
Aquatic
50% intensity
moderate
50% intensity
Benefits from nutrient-rich substrate and occasional root tabs. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. For submerged plants, maintain a water level that covers the substrate.
For emergent growth, ensure the roots remain submerged while the leaves reach above the surface. Avoid letting the substrate dry out completely.
Remove any decaying or yellowing leaves promptly to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Trimming the flower stalks after blooming can encourage further flowering or prevent excessive seed production, depending on desired outcomes. Avoid cutting healthy leaves.
Propagation primarily occurs through seeds produced after flowering. Seeds can be collected and sown in moist substrate. Division of the tuber is also possible, though less common.
Ensure the tuber is healthy before attempting division.
Repotting is generally needed when the tuber becomes crowded or the substrate nutrients are depleted, typically every 1-2 years. Gently remove the plant from its container, trim any dead roots, and replant in fresh, nutrient-rich substrate, ensuring the tuber is just covered.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Drifting Sword Plant (Aponogeton natans)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Aponogetonaceae |
| Genus | Aponogeton |
| Species | Aponogeton natans |
Similar in genus Aponogeton
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
