Description
This unique form of Lagenandra meeboldii has an eye-catching almost black stripe pattern on a purplish red background. It was found in 2009 by a team from Sreepadma company in the Wayanad region of Kerala and propagated through tissue culture. Younger plants initially form olive-green to red-brown leaves for a longer time, similar to L. meeboldii "Red". The striking leaf markings only appear on mature, older plants. These have in the submerged form about 10 cm long, 4.8 cm wide ovate leaf blades on 10 cm long petioles. The plant grows to at least 15 cm high and forms a thick, creeping rhizome.
The variable species Lagenandra meeboldii from south-western India is an amphibious plant that can grow above and below water. In nature, it grows on shady, swampy, intermittently flooded stream banks.
Lagenandra species prefer a nutrient-rich substrate and tropical temperatures between about 22 and 28 °C. CO2 addition is recommendable, moderate lighting is sufficient. The growth is rather slow. In contrast to most Cryptocoryne, Lagenandra meeboldii does not form underground runners but a thick rhizome that can be split for propagation.
With its pretty pattern on the leaves, Lagenandra meeboldii 'Bleeding Heart' attracts attention as a solitary or group plant that is best placed in the aquarium midground. It is also recommended for emersed setups where one may expect its striking inflorescences.
