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Nair's Lagenandra (Lagenandra nairii)
Lagenandra nairii
A rare, compact Lagenandra species with elongated leaves and slow growth. Very hardy and perfect for midground placement in medium and small aquariums.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Alismatales
Family:Araceae
Genus:Lagenandra
Species:Lagenandra nairii
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Check out Nair's Lagenandra (Lagenandra nairii) on Atlarium
Water Temperature
24 - 28 °C
pH Value
6 - 7
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Low to Medium
CO2
Low - High
Expected height
20 cm
Expected width
30 cm
GH
4 - 15 dGH
KH
2 - 12 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Lagenandra nairii is native to southwestern India, specifically the humid forest wetlands of the state of Kerala. This species grows along the muddy banks of shaded forest streams and rivers. It is adapted to seasonal water level changes, enduring long periods of submersion during monsoon rains and growing emersed in high-humidity microclimates during drier periods.
Taxonomy & Genetics: Formally described as Lagenandra nairii, it belongs to the Araceae family. It is related to Lagenandra meeboldii and Lagenandra ovata but is distinguished by its smaller rosette size and narrower, elongated leaves. Genetically, it shares the robust cell structure of the genus, which provides high resistance to submerged decay.
Physical Structure: The plant develops from a compact yet tough creeping rhizome from which thick, anchoring roots grow. The leaves form a rosette and have an elongated lanceolate-to-elliptical shape, supported by sturdy petioles. The overall height is compact compared to other Lagenandra species, rarely exceeding 20 cm in the aquarium.
Color & Texture: The leaves exhibit colors ranging from olive green to bronze-green, sometimes showing coppery undertones on the undersides under good lighting. The leaf texture is thick, rigid, and leathery, with slightly wavy margins that add visual depth to the plant's appearance in the aquascape.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Lagenandra nairii grows well under low to moderate lighting. High-intensity lighting is not required and may encourage algae to establish on its slow-growing leaf surfaces. CO2 injection is not critical, but a low dosage will accelerate its slow growth rate and promote a denser leaf structure.
Nutrition & Substrate: Like all marsh-dwelling Araceae, a fertile substrate is highly important. Active soil or the regular addition of root fertilizer tabs rich in iron and trace elements near the roots is recommended. Column fertilization with potassium is helpful, but the plant responds best to root-based nutrition.
Water Chemistry: It prefers soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.5). It requires water temperatures between 24 and 28 °C, showing less tolerance for cold water than Lagenandra meeboldii. Maintaining stable temperature and water parameters, especially during water changes, is crucial.
Space Management & Placement: Its ideal placement is in the midground or foreground of medium to large aquariums. Thanks to its compact size, it is also suitable as a background or central plant in nano setups, provided there is enough space for the creeping rhizome to expand horizontally.
Pruning: Pruning is limited to the occasional removal of old or damaged leaves. Cut the petiole close to the rhizome with sharp scissors. This prevents decay in the aquarium and stimulates new growth from the main rhizome, helping the plant maintain a bushy, clean appearance.
Risks & Diseases: It is a very robust plant that rarely suffers from diseases. The main risk is leaf melt caused by sudden shifts in pH or hardness. Black Brush Algae (BBA) may colonize the leaf margins under poor water flow or if there is an excess of phosphates in the water column.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Lagenandra nairii is native to southwestern India, specifically the humid forest wetlands of the state of Kerala. This species grows along the muddy banks of shaded forest streams and rivers. It is adapted to seasonal water level changes, enduring long periods of submersion during monsoon rains and growing emersed in high-humidity microclimates during drier periods.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
